I’m Outside, Now What?

Sweet! You made it! Welcome to the great outdoors! Well, I guess you may not be outside if you are reading this post. Either way “thank you for joining me”!

Over the next several months, I will be exploring a variety of trails, taking notes and snapping pictures for you to review and enjoy. All of the first-year trails will be nestled within the beautiful landscapes of Southern Indiana. Some of the hidden gems I plan to visit feature nothing more than a “pull into the ditch to park” kind of parking lot, which means they often receive very few visitors. This lack of foot traffic should provide a blissful solitude for anyone venturing into these serene locations. I use several sources to discover these remote treasures, including chats with fellow adventurers I meet out on the trail.

Since you are currently outside, and I’m typing up this post, I urge you to pause for a moment and take a good look around. Now, take in a deep breath (unless, of course, you're happening to be downwind of a pasture or an especially fragrant chicken barn) and slowly exhale, feel the calmness overcome your senses. Observe your surroundings and take in the stunning beauty of nature all around you. Listen closely to the melodious chatter of the birds and the various sounds of “the wild” that envelop you. Pause, and truly savor where you are “in the moment.” Feels good, doesn’t it? Now, take a moment to appreciate the diverse vegetation and the earth beneath your feet—each blade of grass and leaf tells its own story. And over there, just a few feet away, check out that peculiar-looking rock; it’s probably got some interesting history behind it.

Stepping onto the sun-dappled trail, take a moment to go over your gear mental checklist, because let’s face it—nothing ruins a day outdoors quite like realizing you’ve forgotten something essential. Your survival kit should be easily accessible. If you’re planning a long trek, do you have enough water to stay hydrated? Maybe you should pack a snack or even a light meal to keep your energy levels up. What kind of boots are you wearing, and are they adequately broken in to avoid those delightful blisters? And let’s not forget about a good and sturdy hiking stick—essential for navigating those tricky paths. So many questions to be answered before you truly embark on your adventure. If you leave unprepared, you might just find yourself not enjoying the great outdoors to its full potential, and that’s a tragedy we simply can’t allow!

Now that you are all geared up and ready to embark on your adventure, it's time to start walking! OH, did you remember to bring your phone (just in case of emergencies) and a camera for capturing those fleeting moments that you’ll want to remember in a beautiful photo? Go ahead, take a few steps and then look back. As the bustling, chaotic world slowly disappears behind you, reflect on your surroundings and shift your thoughts to embracing the experience of being “in the moment.” Now, at last, you are ready to fully enjoy a well-deserved, refreshing walk in the serene woods!