Every once in a while, you find something you want to call your own. For over 30 years, I’ve had an interest in exploring the outdoors more, but I never took real steps toward making it a reality. Now that I’ve passed 50 and the years aren’t slowing down, I think it’s time to get started. Hopefully those of you reading this will come along for the ride, hike, or a leisurely glide across the water.

Since I’m getting older, this site won’t be catering to the youth of the world, but instead celebrating those of us who still feel young at heart and want to embark on adventures that won’t leave us frazzled. So come along and take a stroll with Skinny.

Upcoming plans for spring 2026 include hiking in southern Indiana’s beautiful state parks and forests, scouting out little-known areas of interest for short hikes, and other locations that are specific to a region. I’ll also keep an eye out for hole-in-the-wall places to visit along the way—cafes and shops that are locally owned.

I’m also after calm waters with fewer motorized boats, so I can get out in a canoe or kayak. Currently I have a canyak that needs some repair. For those who don’t know what a canyak is, it’s a canoe set up like a big kayak. It has more room for legs and gear, and it’s more stable than a regular canoe because of the lower seating position. The biggest drawback is speed—if I were in a race, I’d get a kayak instead.

You’ll also see mountain bike trails, decently safe roads to ride, and bikepacking (if you didn’t put it together, it’s a bike loaded with racked gear for camping and traveling longer distances). I’ll be doing reviews on campsites, gear, camp food, and a whole lot of other things as they inspire me—then I’ll pass that information on to you.

I (Skinny) am also planning to have outings. These are members-only groups (explained in the next paragraph) intended for people to get together at a chosen campground, play games, and interact with one another. I encourage everyone to leave cell phones and other distracting devices in their vehicles—or at least keep them on silent and not look at them every five minutes. (I’m still in the process of planning and scheduling.)

For those of you interested in joining a group, Skinny’s will be ramping up the membership site starting in mid to late 2026. Once things start rolling, there will be something posted at least bi-weekly, and more often as things get moving along. So become a member! For now, it’s free to join.

Get informed of Skinny’s planned adventures and outings, and see pictures and videos of past events as well. Don’t forget “Outdoors with Skinny!”—this jam-packed show of information could lead you to your own “next adventure” that you wouldn’t have found otherwise!

Membership is $65 per year. “OMG Skinny! That’s highway robbery!” If you break it down, it’s a mere $1.25 per week to help cover operating expenses, video production, and scouting for interesting places to visit. It will also go toward financing better outings and adventures. Where else can you get good entertainment and useful information for less?

When coming along on an outing, members will be responsible for entrance and campsite fees, food, and equipment (for liability reasons). When the date is announced, members will be asked to RSVP ASAP so we can reserve campsites for the group size. Outing dates are posted to make members aware of the gathering place, date, and time. Unfortunately, at this time, it’s all just coming to fruition.

As Country Emporium (tfallsce.com) expands its product line, you will also have access to members-only discounts and special offers on products through Skinny’s 411, LLC. Country Emporium will showcase scented products, woodcraft, collectibles, various handmade items, photographs, and many things you may find unusually useful. Please visit the store—you’ll be helping to get this venture rolling along!

— Skinny —