Adventure

I think often about why I prefer outdoor activities, like hiking, backpacking, and biking, over other hobbies and activities. Whenever I'm doing other things that I theoretically like to do, I often times still feel as though I'm wasting my life (this is especially true of hobbies that require me to be on the computer). I think part of the reason is that those outdoor activities give me time to slow down and just experience the passing of time, and to be aware of it. In reality, they're actually pretty boring activities (in a good way) -- perhaps the moving my legs to propel me forward just makes it acceptable to do nothing except randomly think about things and watch the passing scenery. All of my other hobbies and activities take a lot more of my attention and concentrated thought, which basically pulls me out of the moment and my mind isn't free to wander -- this basically makes time go faster, and I'm not truly in the moment.

I think I need to create a bit of an adventure hit list of small adventures close to me that I want to pull off. I've been in a bit of a rut doing the same things -- I need to find a few more to throw into the mix, and more importantly, find some things closer. It would be fantastic to take off a bit early on a weekday and spend a couple hours riding out some dirt or gravel.

Just my normal ride outside of Ramona. I did well with the hill climb, and the weather was perfect--mid 70s. Got to one of my stopping points that I like to visit, ate a quick lunch, walked around a little and enjoyed the quiet before climbing back on my bike and busting back down the hill. I was back home in time for a nice afternoon with my loved ones, and for pizza!

...So, kind of just impulse-bought a roof-top-tent. We'll see how this works out.

Today we walked downtown, played at the park, ate lunch. But I was wearing my nice backpack that usually accompanies me on my adventures that last a day or less, and just wearing my pack made me feel like this was a bit of an adventure. Actually got me thinking that I should do some more urban trekking -- pack for a full day and bring whatever we need to explore more of our city and provide for some lounging and play while we're out.