The What's and Why's of Microadventures
I envy the people that do the big trips. I'm jealous of people that make backpacking a month+ long adventure. But I thrive on microadventures. These are intentional trips that are made with the sole purpose of fun and happiness. They can fit between the demands of life (I'm married, have 4 kids (yep - keeps us busy), and work 55 hours a week).
There isn't any rule about how long (miles or days) microadventures have to be. It may be the 8-mile loop my wife and I try to do each weekend in the foothills of Colorado. It could be the 3-mile trip I take with one of my children to connect, look at flowers and bees, and watch him/her climb rocks and gain skills and confidence. Or it could be a 30+ mile trip that a few friends and I pound out in two days after sitting at a desk for 10 or 11 hours a day all week.
For me, the key is to aim hard for at least one microadventure per month. Sometimes I get more if I count all the little things. Some months I don't do any. But there is power in trying and persistence will pay off. I hope you will make your own microadventures and encourage your friends and family to join you (or carefully do some solo adventures) as you enjoy the non-digital, real-life, outdoor world.
