My biggest resolution this year is to adventure more. I’ve been living in the same tiny town for almost 23 years and it’s time I saw the world near and far.
I used to do a lot of adventuring with friends…but as I’ve gotten older, the spark to do it isn’t as spontaneous anymore.
I however, happen to be somewhat of an expert in making adventures out of nearby, cheap and easy-to-access things…so I thought I’d share some of my tips!
Destination is meaningless. Not only is the trip usually more fun, but sometimes the dumbest of destinations make for the most fun. Some of the most fun times we’ve had were going to our local Wal-Mart. Granted there was often some petty theft involved and once or twice we may have been asked to leave. Word of advice: if you plan to dick around on the mobility scooters, make it seem like your leg is bum.
The more the merrier. That’s a pretty simple one. The more people you bring along, the more fun you’re gonna have. Just make sure you bring *adventurers* along. I’ve made the mistake of throwing unenthusiastic people in to this sort of thing and believe me all it takes is one person asking “When are we going back?” to ruin it for everyone.
Be prepared, but don’t prepare. I’m the kind of guy who carries a Leatherman wherever he goes, so yeah I’m usually prepared for everything. However, I find it more fun to throw caution to the wind… I once drove an hour to see my cousin, full well knowing I didn’t have the money for the tolls or the gas to get back. I ended up stopping at a Thruway rest stop and earning $50 playing my guitar by the entrance. Moral of the story: it’s a lot more interesting to throw wrenches in your own machine rather than planning every little detail.
Everything, everyone and everywhere is a spectacle. This was a principle taught to me by a lot of XKCD comics. You ever talk about your route to work and say something like “I know that shit like the back of my hand?” Well, you don’t. Have someone else drive next time, and look at all the houses and trees and rocks and stuff you were missing while you were busy paying attention to your speedometer and looking out for cops. On that same note, refer back to #1: don’t worry so much about where you’re going…go slow, and enjoy the things around you. The world is enormous and there are so many details that are too easily missed.
Leave no stone un-turned. “What’s that over there?” should never be left unanswered. You see some interesting shit, go find out what it is. I was once detained by the police for trespassing. When I was asked by the officer why I had climbed a 15-foot cement wall surrounding someone’s yard, I replied “I couldn’t see what was on the other side! There could have been something really cool!” Thankfully, he let me go with a warning. Of course your results may vary…I encourage you to trespass a little, but do use some common sense.
Bring a camera. That one’s pretty simple. Bring a camera with you, even if it’s only your phone camera. There are always cool things to take photos of. Just don’t get so focused on taking photos that you don’t enjoy things with your own eyes.
Never been there? Go there. I’ve spent my life in a town with lots of little shops and restaurants, though I’ve only been in about half of them. Don’t do that, go to those dumb shops…if only to see what’s inside. A friend and I were once trying to find something good to eat while going through a neighboring town. I suggested a place and he said “No, too boring.” I replied “Have you actually been?” he said “No, but it looks boring.” We ended up going, and it was the coolest little Sushi place either of us have ever been.
Campfires, swimming holes and fast food joints. If you can’t figure anything out, find something simple to do. Get some friends and beers together and make a campfire somewhere in the woods. Never been to a White Castle or a Golden Corral? Make a pilgrimage to find one near you. Again, the destination is not super important. It’s mostly the trip and the people you go with.
Most of all, have some fucking fun. If you’re not having fun on your adventure, then it’s not a fucking adventure and you need to start having some fun. If you have to change your plan to have more fun, no biggie! Even better, don’t have a plan. Just whatever you do, have some fun.
If you’re completely clueless as to what your adventure is going to be, then maybe try some of these ideas:
May your smiles be wide, your gas tanks quarter-full and don’t forget your boots!
Love, Collin.
