We recently appeared in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Wellness & Healthy Living for Seniors, with our article titled “Getting Ready for Outdoor Adventures”. This is a publication of our local senior services agency, Sharecare of Leelanau.
Getting Ready for Outdoor Adventures
Living in Northern Michigan, everything you need to create a lifestyle of outdoor adventure is nearby. Whether you’re just getting started or are a regular to outdoor recreation, there are always new things to learn, with new places to explore, and an abundance of ways to enjoy our beautiful area.
Walking around your neighborhood to listen to the birds, hiking in one of our many natural areas, or even a multi-day camping trip can all be enjoyed if you start small and plan ahead.
Set goals. Consider your current level of skills and fitness, and what experiences in nature would be most meaningful and enjoyable for you. Always stay safe, but gently push the boundaries of what you’ve done in the past. Look forward to experiencing new things.
Be prepared. Spend time researching new locations to be sure they have the right amenities to match your goals. Plan ahead, tell others where you are going, and take a cell phone in case of emergencies. Put together a simple day pack of “essentials” you might not often need, like a flashlight, a small emergency blanket, snacks, bug spray, etc., and always take it with you. Being prepared for the unexpected might make the difference between turning back, and doing something you’ve never done before!
Skills and Gear. Learning a few basic outdoor skills can really extend what you are able to do and where you are able to go. Knowing how to bathroom outdoors and manage your waste opens up possibilities for longer hikes in remote areas, or overnight backcountry trips. Pick up some hiking poles to help you navigate beautiful forest trails. Installing a free hiking app on your phone to map your adventures can be a lot of fun, and reading maps can become a valuable skill for bigger trips. Simple recipes for outdoor meals, or even just packing a lunch for some all day sightseeing, can make adventures memorable.
Leave No Trace. To be the best visitor to an outdoor recreation area, plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out your trash, leave what you find, observe fire rules, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. Caring for our natural spaces is an important responsibility we all share.
Day Hikes. Always stay hydrated, and have layers of clothing for unexpected changes in the weather. Plan ahead for bathrooming with a trowel to bury waste six inches, and take a plastic bag for pet waste. Know the area, and plan your time accordingly.
Overnight Trips. Camping is about enjoying nature, not spending a lot of money on gear. You can borrow gear from others, purchase used gear online, or get basics from discount stores to start out. Try car camping at a campground close to home for practice, and to be able to easily leave if needed. Cotton clothes are not a good choice if you’re backpacking. They won’t keep you warm if they get damp. A hammock can be a great alternative to a tent for extra comfort off the ground. What every you bring, get to know your gear at home before you bring it on a trip.
Encourage Others. Getting outdoors with friends can make for a great experience. Assess the skill level and interests of the group, and manage expectations for comfort and weather, hiking distances, and activities. By helping others to prepare, everyone will have a better time. Be flexible and patient with othesr and with yourself. Sometimes you may have to slow down, take a shorter hike, or camp in an easier spot in order to get others to join at first. Build extra time into your trips in case of unexpected weather changes, hiking speeds, or spontaneous rest and relaxation stops.
Finding Adventure Buddies. Join groups on social media for local hiking or camping, or meet up groups and clubs. Find folks at your usual hang outs, like clubs, bars, or churches. Talk to your neighbors. You may be surprised at how many people in your current circles are interested in getting out into nature, or already doing it regularly.
Try New Things. Along with hiking and camping, you can also add biking, paddling, birding, snowshoeing, and more! Expand your world by adding on new skills and gear as you go.
Vince and Stacie Sadowski have a combined three decades of experience with backcountry camping, backpacking, canoeing, and kayaking. Annually, they hammock camp on several extended trips, traveling by boots and boats. They are co-creators of Two Weeks in a Hammock, TwoWeeksinaHammock.com, an educational initiative to inspire regular folks to get out into nature. As two middle-aged people with average fitness levels and more time than money, they model an active lifestyle of adventure.
When not camping, Stacie works for the Leelanau Conservancy and Vince does home computer repair.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures!
Learn more about Outdoor Adventuring Over 50 For Beginners