Adventure Question....

[Coach Potter]

Is there anyone out there over 40 who has always wanted to do some sort of “outdoor adventure” but hasn’t?

In this context, I’m defining adventure as something that is done outside in a big wild place (wilderness or roadless), longer in duration (5+days), physically demanding (something that would require training to prepare for), involves fishing or hunting, and lastly gives you a bit of the butterflies when you envision it. The kind of feeling that is a combination of excitement with a touch of doubt or fear.

I made fishing or hunting part of the equation because we all fish, many of us hunt, and those added elements change the dynamic of a wilderness adventure…they become the focal point of why you would do something of this nature. It makes the adventure different than say a through hike or big bike ride.

The follow up question…

If you want to but haven't, what do you believe are your barriers to entry? Is it time, lack of knowledge, a belief it’s too late, physical limitations etc.? Your reasons can be anything, just tells us what has kept you from doing something like this if it’s something you’ve wanted to do. If adventure doesn’t interest you then this is irrelevant.

 

[Coach Potter]

Same here. I didn't care how far into the woods I intended to travel to reach my destinations. Never worried much about anything, did almost all trips solo.
Now the adventures are closer than I like, due to bad knees. My wife never did care if I was gone with zero communication for a week. She isn't the paranoid /worry wart type.
I was lucky in my early 40's to have a friend's son come of age and be an adventure seeker. We did many trips together, it was a nice change to have company. He still disappears for days and I am envious, but my knees just can't handle 2-3 day long hikes into the woods with all the necessary, yet minimal gear.

This is a great thread, thanks Potter.

The first trip this season we were accompanied by my friend’s 18 y/o son. What a pleasure it was to have him along. He grew up in this lifestyle so this was just an extended version of what he already knew.

I’m doing another trip in a few weeks and I’ll be taking a college kid who played for us when I was coaching. This will be his first trip into the backcountry and he’s absolutely stoked.

 

[SilverFly]

Is there anyone out there over 40 who has always wanted to do some sort of “outdoor adventure” but hasn’t?

In this context, I’m defining adventure as something that is done outside in a big wild place (wilderness or roadless), longer in duration (5+days), physically demanding (something that would require training to prepare for), involves fishing or hunting, and lastly gives you a bit of the butterflies when you envision it. The kind of feeling that is a combination of excitement with a touch of doubt or fear.

I made fishing or hunting part of the equation because we all fish, many of us hunt, and those added elements change the dynamic of a wilderness adventure…they become the focal point of why you would do something of this nature. It makes the adventure different than say a through hike or big bike ride.

The follow up question…

If you want to but haven't, what do you believe are your barriers to entry? Is it time, lack of knowledge, a belief it’s too late, physical limitations etc.? Your reasons can be anything, just tells us what has kept you from doing something like this if it’s something you’ve wanted to do. If adventure doesn’t interest you then this is irrelevant.

Good, and somewhat timely question. Adventure of the sort you describe has always interested me, but has been lost over the years for many of the reasons already mentioned.

Many of those reasons no longer apply. Lots of "depends" ... one of which would finding the right adventure before I actually need "depends". Hitting 64 next month, so that should be a ways off yet. For an old fat guy, I actually feel pretty good and can still do stuff like clamber up/down steep trail sections that require a rope, bushwack through heavy brush, and hike - probably all day with a bit of conditioning. So I can't really say physical limitations are a barrier.

Time has been a limitation, and will be at least until next year due to new home projects. I will echo the concerned spouse issue others have raised. She would support it if was important to me, but I know she would be worried, and already has to deal with me going 40-50 miles offshore chasing tuna. And as pathetic as it sounds, I would miss her terribly.

I think it comes down to the right adventure. Alaska is still on my bucket list, not horribly expensive, and not international travel which is something that I'm not comfortable with currently. One thing that I would really love doing is a kayak camping/fishing trip in SE Alaska, or maybe BC. Fly fishing for silvers, kings, rockfish, lingcod, and maybe even halibut, would take weeks to get old - if ever. Paddling around exploring coves, creeks, small rivers, catch a few dollies. Find a bear-free (?) island to camp and alternate dinners of fresh crab, lingcod, coho, butter clams.... Yeah, this would be it.

 

[Brute]

I was an avid backpacker and daily runner until I herniated the L5-S1 and bulged the next disc S1-S2...I've also have had both knees scoped for meniscus tears from HS sports and later in life. That said, I no longer run or backpack, but do as many outdoor adventures as I am physically able to...there are still places on my list I want to do before hitting 70 in a few years...and I will do them.

 

[adamcu280]

I've got a lot of adventures under my belt but there are plenty of things that I still want to do for the first time, or do more/differently than before. I try to fully commit to whatever I've decided to do because I can only do one thing at a time at the expense of everything else. No sense in wasting time on FOMO or wondering if I could be doing something different.

I'd like to do more warm water saltwater fishing; I'd like to spend more time in smaller boats exploring coastal BC and SE AK (@SilverFly see you there!); I'd like to go back to sub-Saharan Africa and spend time with the wildlife; I'd like to go to Antarctica in either a ski or science context; I'd like to take the band on a real tour.

The main things holding me back are timing, finances, aging family, and not wanting to be away from home/partner/dog. At least the body's holding up... for now.

 

[Jim F.]

Lots of Montana adventures back in the day. Solo Mountain Goat hunts were thrilling but the best was all of the scenery as viewed from mountain tops and high lonesome ridgelines.

Now I thrive on Grandkid adventures (best baseball going right now!) and the occasional camera outing to fill-in any open slots on my dance card.

To all of you younger-than-me folks (which is most of you, I reckon) . . . enjoy, have fun, be safe.

 

[SculpinSwinger]

I did a lot of solo backpacking (1-2 week trips) Cascade and Sierra. I went just to see what looked interesting on the maps, watch the light on the landscape…
I also did a lot of class IV+ V kayaking, which really required others. A good group is essential.

I got in one good self support 10 day Alaska float trip. I would love to take another. The group I went with were incredible outdoorsmen, I got in on the last of 40 years of trips. They are all in their 70’s and done with the self support trips.

@SilverFly, I long to return to sea run dollies, silvers, char, and leopard rainbows.
Keep me in mind for Alaska!

 

[JimTravers¤£a!!Travers]

Last time I went on a big guide type trip it become an investor's workshop. Lots of guys talking market economies. Talking big gains on various high brow stock investments. Talking several insurance fraud pyramid schemes. I have been heavily involved in various PYRAMID SCHEMES. I always step on the financial victims on the other side of a deal.

 

[krusty]

'Adventuring', which always carries at least a bit of risk and physical challenge to even justify that description for many of us, should understand the reality that those who care and depend upon our continued health and existence are the ones that emotionally subsidize such activities. You're not alone in 'paying the price'.

While absolutely not a substitute for adequate preparation, modern (and very affordable) satellite communication technology provides an opportunity to mitigate a significant portion of the stress loved ones may experience during your adventurous outings (of whatever magnitude).

And, at a minimum, its use would be deeply appreciated by those charged with rescuing or recovering your raggedy old ass.

 

[Coach Potter]

'Adventuring', which always carries at least a bit of risk and physical challenge to even justify that description for many of us, should understand the reality that those who care and depend upon our continued health and existence are the ones that emotionally subsidize such activities. You're not alone in 'paying the price'.

While absolutely not a substitute for adequate preparation, modern (and very affordable) satellite communication technology provides an opportunity to mitigate a significant portion of the stress loved ones may experience during your adventurous outings (of whatever magnitude).

And, at a minimum, its use would be deeply appreciated by those charged with rescuing or recovering your raggedy old ass.

With all of the tools available today it seems silly to leave home without the ability to communicate.

In addition to your loved one's peace of mind, there are a few additional practical applications for these devices. On my last trip there were four of us. Two of us were going in on a Friday and the other two the following evening. My partner and I didn't really know where we would be staying the first night but all four of us have an Inreach. All I had to do was turn on my location and send our buddies a message from camp and they were able to walk right to us.

We were also able to get accurate weather forecasts to help us make decisions. Spring bear movement can be highly weather dependent. If I have a "non-hunting" activity (moving camp or shuttling gear/meat) I would rather plan that for a day where the hunting might not be as good. It can also be a huge help when you know you have a water crossing that could be impacted by weather. This happens a lot in the spring.

 

[SnailEye]

I’ll throw in my $0.02, adventure is what you make of it. There will always be barriers regardless of if you start in your teens, 20’s, 30’s or whenever you start. Overcoming some of those barriers is part of the adventure. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be an adventure, would it? What is an adventure for me, is not going to be the same for you for many reasons. I know it sounds cliché, but it really is about the journey, not the destination. For too many of us (myself included) we need to just get away from the screen or couch and get out there. Getting started can be the hardest part. I’ve had some great adventures in my 20’s and into my 30’s. Then kids came and that’s an entirely different adventure. They are older now and mostly off doing their own thing. My wife is very understanding so I have more time now that I can do my thing. My biggest barriers now are time and finding partners. I’ve been doing more shorter and/or solo trips. I’ve been working on finding more partners. I’ve also gotten better at making and managing my time. I think most barriers are really in our mind. We (again, myself included) can come up with a lot of excuses why we “can’t” do something. Start with what you have and go from there. If a physically demanding, 5+ day wilderness trip is too much right now, scale it back to what you can do and build on that. If you really want It to happen, you will probably figure it out.

 

[Mossback]

I went to Costco yesterday...pretty bold move on my part, as Sunday Costco shopping in Sequim is not for the faint of heart. Wasn't really in Costco shape yet, could have used a drink before going just to navigate the parking lot, and almost got run over by the motorized carts several times but was on my game agility wise, so made it through unscathed. I did have a cougar run in, but dodged a bullet when a slower, less astute/ more hard up gentlemen came by, and I swiftly escaped danger.

And to think...it was just a few years ago I was traversing the Olympics on a weekly basis, and working 2 jobs, while fishing 5 nights a week.

 

[Coach Potter]

I’ll throw in my $0.02, adventure is what you make of it. There will always be barriers regardless of if you start in your teens, 20’s, 30’s or whenever you start. Overcoming some of those barriers is part of the adventure. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be an adventure, would it? What is an adventure for me, is not going to be the same for you for many reasons. I know it sounds cliché, but it really is about the journey, not the destination. For too many of us (myself included) we need to just get away from the screen or couch and get out there. Getting started can be the hardest part. I’ve had some great adventures in my 20’s and into my 30’s. Then kids came and that’s an entirely different adventure. They are older now and mostly off doing their own thing. My wife is very understanding so I have more time now that I can do my thing. My biggest barriers now are time and finding partners. I’ve been doing more shorter and/or solo trips. I’ve been working on finding more partners. I’ve also gotten better at making and managing my time. I think most barriers are really in our mind. We (again, myself included) can come up with a lot of excuses why we “can’t” do something. Start with what you have and go from there. If a physically demanding, 5+ day wilderness trip is too much right now, scale it back to what you can do and build on that. If you really want It to happen, you will probably figure it out.

You make so many good points!

No doubt the best part of the deal for me is the work I put in leading up to the “event”. I’m an over preparer and might not need to do everything I do over the winter but I’m definitely the best version of myself this time of year as a result of it. All of that spills into the rest of my life in a really positive way.

I’m self employed and the time away forces me to be really focused prior to my trips. I have to get way more organized and really efficient in order to leave for a week or longer. I really clean up my diet, I almost never drink this time of year and I never skip a workout…even in Hawaii with my wife. I have always enjoyed exercise but I tend do do things I like instead of things I need to do when I’m not preparing for a trip. A fake hip and arthritic ankle force me to do some things that are boring but necessary and easy to skip when outside of this season.

 

[goinoregon]

i did 2 different christmas island trips (with different people who organized the trip), and had great times.
I did a grand canyon trip, and only knew 1 person of the 17 on the self guided trip - had a great time. was just over 50.
did a middle fork trip, and only knew 1 guy who invited me - brought a friend and raft, and had a wonderful trip
you dont always have to know someone, or everyone. greg

 

[albula]

Been on a number of adventures over the years looking for new places to fish. Some I would love to do again. Flying around the Kamchatka in a 50 year old MI-8 with patched bullet holes sitting on a wooden bench with no seatbelt right next to the fuel tank is not one of them. In spite of the steelhead fishing we found.

 

[Hem]

I threw my meager belongings in my car at 24, drove across the country and landed in Montana. It's been almost 40 years of wandering in my spare time here. Hunting, fishing, peak bagging, have taken me in to many remote mountain ranges, mostly solo.
Three years ago, at 59, I finally drew a Bighorn sheep tag. I intentionally put in for an area that is considered very rugged, remote, and crawling with Grizz. Figured it was be a good test to see if I remotely " still got it". Spent 25 days in the backcountry, ...but not all at once. Most trips were 3/4 days. Keep on the move to find a ram. Don't remember how many miles i did, but I do remember a cumulative of over 30,000 ft of elevation.
Lost 15 lbs.
It was a mental challenge for sure, especially contending with a high density grizzly area.
All and all I feel like I stepped up to the challenge for my age. A lifetime of mountain biking, tele skiing, backpacking, packing out elk, deer....and construction for a career. Still doing all these activities but slowing down. Knees getting tired.
Granted I have alot of experience, and fortunately in decent shape, but a big part is all in the head. I think much can be overcome by attitude.
Life is short, follow your dreams.

 

[wanderingrichard]

"ive always wanted to go there. and do that. but i never did" i'm not even sure where i read that. but i do remember the context.

being both a military brat and a former military member, and also a former overseas contractor, i've led a pretty adventurous life, with some things i probably shouldnt talk about, and other things that teeter on the brink of fiction novel level crazy, with lots of boredom and drudgery in between.

but what i've always wanted to do is float and fish penns creek from the headwaters through to the susquehana with my kid(s). yeah its a rural america fishery, passing through farmlands and towns alike instead of the big wildernesses of the west. As it stands, i'll be 72 when Abby turns 18, and i'm not sure she'd be up for it. I'm also not sure that it's legal anymore to even attempt that trip due to state laws here.

another thing i'd like to try is an excursion through the grand canyon on foot. i spent a bit of invited time with the Dine decades ago. that area still haunts me because of its stillness. going through the canyon would help finish that chapter of my life.

theres a book some might want to read, "Choose Adventure" by Greg Ellifritz. It's something i think most of america should read, since it encourages you to get up off the couch and get out and explore, with chapters on what to do and what not to do as an american in a different country.

If a blind man can summit Everest, then i should be able to train up to the point that i can overcome my partial blindness, the semi debilitating back injury, the constantly aching knees and other joints, and
whatever else aging has thrown at me.

one thing i have learned in my short life is that we shouldnt pass while regretting not doing something we've wanted to do

 

[2MANY]

OK........You can't just drop that here and leave without some pictures from your sheep hunt.

 

[Coach Potter]

OK........You can't just drop that here and leave without some pictures from your sheep hunt.

Agreed!

 

[Coach Potter]

"ive always wanted to go there. and do that. but i never did" i'm not even sure where i read that. but i do remember the context.

being both a military brat and a former military member, and also a former overseas contractor, i've led a pretty adventurous life, with some things i probably shouldnt talk about, and other things that teeter on the brink of fiction novel level crazy, with lots of boredom and drudgery in between.

but what i've always wanted to do is float and fish penns creek from the headwaters through to the susquehana with my kid(s). yeah its a rural america fishery, passing through farmlands and towns alike instead of the big wildernesses of the west. As it stands, i'll be 72 when Abby turns 18, and i'm not sure she'd be up for it. I'm also not sure that it's legal anymore to even attempt that trip due to state laws here.

another thing i'd like to try is an excursion through the grand canyon on foot. i spent a bit of invited time with the Dine decades ago. that area still haunts me because of its stillness. going through the canyon would help finish that chapter of my life.

theres a book some might want to read, "Choose Adventure" by Greg Ellifritz. It's something i think most of america should read, since it encourages you to get up off the couch and get out and explore, with chapters on what to do and what not to do as an american in a different country.

If a blind man can summit Everest, then i should be able to train up to the point that i can overcome my partial blindness, the semi debilitating back injury, the constantly aching knees and other joints, and
whatever else aging has thrown at me.

one thing i have learned in my short life is that we shouldnt pass while regretting not doing something we've wanted to do

That float trip sounds like a really cool idea...Grand Canyon as well. There is something about moving water travel that has always been really exciting to me.

 

[Salmo_g]

I had such a narrow life experience that I couldn't fathom wandering off on adventures. I was married and had kids to raise by the time I began to learn about such possibilities. So most of my adventures came after age 50. Before that, one or two week fishing trips to B.C. were about the extent of it. After age 50 and kids finished with college I finally had some time and discretionary income I could spare. I watched the movie, Bucket List, and decided to make a list of my own. Some of it included fishing, and some of it didn't. A big one was Kamchatka, so I took a 2-week trip fishing in the wilderness there. I'd flown in helicopters quite a few times for work, but flying in the big Russian MI-8 with a pilot, co-pilot, and mechanic on board was a different feeling. Then I figured out that was just how they ensured that they would all get home. Then I did a couple week long float and fishing trips in Alaska, and I wouldn't mind doing those again. I rode my bike across the state in three different summers and followed that up with a bicycle trip from Florence to Rome, Italy, stopping in all the small towns in between. I'd done some day hiking but no backpacking in the SW desert country of Utah until 3 years ago. I'm still a bit paranoid about finding water. And it's almost 7 years now since my wife and I pack rafted the SF Flathead River in the Bob Marshall wilderness. I'd love to do that again, but my wife won't go - she's not keen on sleeping in grizzly bear country. Speaking of, I have made a half dozen trips to B.C.'s Dean River and have yet to see a grizzly there, although there are often tracks close to camp. And this last week or so my wife and I went to Utah and the Grand Canyon. We kayaked the river around Lee's Ferry and did some slot canyon hiking. I think Mrs. Salmo is fed up with me pushing her beyond her comfort zone. One canyon had some sktchy places getting down, and they ended up being harder to get out. But the next slot canyon was a real doozy, so now we've had some experience rappelling down some cliffs, so that's a plus. But I have a feeling that's another trip she won't join me on next time.

I used to think uncertainty was an integral part of true adventure. So I was adamantly opposed to taking communication equipment along. I still kinda' feel that way, but I bought an InReach so that my wife doesn't object to my solo trips, which many are now. Most of my friends who would do these things have aged out of strenuous hiking and sleeping on the ground.