I’m not an explorer in the traditional sense, I simply enjoy the outdoors and the process of discovering new places and revisiting old ones.
I climb I kayak I hike
I Explore
I wouldn’t say I’m highly experienced in any of these activities. I just enjoy being out and about doing different things, experiencing and discovering things about myself and the world.
Rock climbing has taught me a lot about myself, how I handle stress and fear, how I solve problems, and how to maintain calmness. It challenges me both mentally and physically. When I climb I forget about everything else and focus on solving the “puzzle” on the wall. There are many reasons why I climb but one of the main reasons is the rock climbing community, they’re very welcoming, supportive, encouraging and simply just fun to be around. They’re my other family.
Kayaking the flat still river water is my preference. I have tried sea kayaking and I have to admit it’s rather hair raising for me. I’m not a confident swimmer even though I love the water. Just the gliding motion of my kayak moving through still water soothes my soul and brings a sense of calmness to my mind. I am happy to leave the angry ocean waves to the hardcore sea kayakers.
Hiking for me is about discovering not only the landscape but the little insects that crawl beneath the sand and through the shrubs, the flowers and plants that are new to my eyes and nose, the silence and a new sky. Hiking requires me to use all my senses. Hiking also takes me to the crag so that I can go climb. Back in 2012 I trained for a year to do the Everest Base Camp trek but my dad got diagnosed with lung cancer (he was 88 at the time) naturally chose to postpone my adventure trek, because family always comes first. My dad survived his cancer if you were wondering.
I believe that connecting with and moving in nature and the outdoors clears our minds and uplifts our soul, it changes the way we think and process information. Plus it’s just nice to get out and do something different.
Feel free to come and join me sometime.
