I’m an upbeat, middle-aged guy with a zest for life who has made a personal commitment to spend more time outdoors by visiting all of the U.S. National Parks, many of the Canadian National Parks and nearly all of the U.S. state highpoints.
Let me clarify.
I’m not a wilderness guide or multi-day backpacker, but I do love to hike.
I no longer focus my ski days on maximizing vertical feet, but love the feel of soft powder and fluffy moguls — with some trees tossed in to raise my game.
I’m not in league with the more avid cyclists – nor am I fit enough for long ascents — but I enjoy soaring down mountain passes on a road bike picking up enough speed for a rush of adrenaline.
I have some outdoor skills, but truth be told, I prefer a fireplace to a campfire, a comfy bed to a sleeping bag, and a hot tub to a frigid lake.
I don’t skydive, bungee-jump or seek excitement in that way — and my body parts aren’t as flexible and strong as they once were — but I love the thrill of something new that expands what I thought was possible for me.
I have spent virtually all of my adult life pursuing career success. Studying to become a CPA. Getting that Wharton MBA. Working 24/7 in an urban office tower as a capital markets CFO at some of the world’s largest banks. Serving on Boards of Directors. But that chapter of my life is soon coming to a close.
I’ve enjoyed the privilege of raising two daughters with a terrific wife and seeing them well-launched into the world.
And, through it all and in spite of flunking out of Boy Scouts, I am someone who loves to have fun outdoors. And I want more of it!
So, I’ve begun to make getting out into the Great Outdoors a priority and make more room in my life for engaging with nature. Woods, lakes, streams, John Muir, Thoreau…you get the picture.
It’s not easy to find the time – not just for the doing of it, but also for the planning and arranging of it. I bet you can relate. But I am committed to making this happen for me now. And it is.
The seminal moment for me came a while ago when I made a very public commitment to friends and family that I would embark on a journey to visit all the U.S. National Parks and complete an earlier vow to hike to the summit of all the state highpoints (except, Alaska, which I think is beyond me but we’ll see). Since then, I’ve also committed to visiting a Canadian National Park in each of the country’s 13 provinces and territories. Can’t wait to get to the Yukon!
I particularly enjoy researching, planning, and arranging my visits, although this can be quite time-consuming. It requires attention to detail and organizational skills that I’m naturally good at and have further developed throughout my career.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the trips taken so far. I’ve particularly enjoyed having friends and colleagues join me on these adventures.
As I’ve been blogging about my experiences, I have found many kindred spirits. Most have traveled a lot, seeking adventure and real experiences. My trips are organized but fresh and flexible to accommodate the unexpected. These are not intended to be perfectly scripted, guided experiences. After all, these are places I haven’t been to before, either.
Such adventures may come with bone-headed moments. Like getting turned around a bit with directions, or arriving at a closed venue whose website posts it as open, or celebrating the day’s successes with a bit more gusto than we appreciate the next day. Sometimes, unscripted moments arise that become the highlight of an adventure. I try to allow room for those.
If This Moves You, then Join Me on My Next Adventure! Carpe Diem!