Too many times I hear people say they haven't been hiking because they have other things they have to do. Pfft. Life responsibilities are just excuses. Remember: anything can be an adventure.
Take for example, this last weekend. I had to take the truck to the shop. Boo. But what if I hiked home from the shop instead of getting a ride or calling an Uber? BOOM! Adventure. Needless to say, that's what I did.
I started near the auto shop where a couple of logging roads head into the woods. Logging roads don't sound adventurous? What if you're being chased by a bear? Or a couple of bears? It doesn't have to be real. Imagination is wonderful and free!
From the logging roads to single track trail to a cross-state rail-trail. Sure, it's an old railroad grade, but it goes all the way to Chicago so it's got some serious miles if you're so inclined. (And no, it doesn't technically go all the way to Chicago anymore. Someday, maybe, but not now.) As a rail-trail the route runs up the valley and most peak-seeking trails cross it.
Now I wouldn't be much of an adventurer if I didn't follow at least a couple of these side trails. The first took me up a butte with no views, but a lovely little loop trail. There was just enough snow to make it more than a simple walk in the woods. And when the sun melted the snow off the trees it sparkled as it fell.
Further along the rail-trail I found a new mountain bike trail that headed up the hill and will definitely be a trip for a different day. Yet further was a 150 foot waterfall just off the railway. It's hard to get a good view so it's not well known. So sad.
The last segment was a well known trail down to another waterfall. (It's actually a series of three waterfalls, but who's counting?) On this trail I started seeing more people. With a bit of snow on the ground there weren't tons of people so it wasn't a total adventure buzz-kill.
All told, it was about a 10 mile walk home. Treen was tired, but still wagging her tail. (She loves adventure almost as much as I do.) It was certainly more fun than doing chores and sitting on the couch watching TV. And yes, I did get all my chores done and I got my adventure in for the day.
You can, too. Make sure you get a little adventure in every day. (And do your chores. I'm required to say you need to do your chores, too. Just make them fun.)
