How many outdoor activities can you imagine being able to do in the image above? The possibilities are endless!

“To be in nature”. What does that statement mean to you? Perhaps walking barefoot in the grass? Skipping rocks at a pond, lake, or stream? Having a cookout in the back yard? Lying on your back under a shade tree and letting time pass without a care? Are you the die-hard weekend warrior who wants to do it all in as little time as possible! You may envision a giant RV loaded with everything from home so you can enjoy getting away for a week! What about the person who goes at it with “whatever I can carry is home” and disappears into the woods for the weekend or longer? It really matters little about how you enjoy being outdoors, as long as you are there. And practice “leave no trace” while in your camp area, hiking, and every time you are outside your home!

A trip outdoors, especially overnight, can be a scary endeavor for some people. Too many folks have watched a frightful movie or have heard stories about….. and have a misconception about the safety in getting outdoors. Yes, there are some places you should avoid. For the most part going into nature is safe, as long as you practice safe things.

• Don’t pet the wildlife is a major rule when in nature. This isn’t a petting zoo, and that animal doesn’t want to be your friend. Remember to give them three times as much space as you think they need (or more if it can eat you). Although, animals don’t care if you take their picture. Just don’t expect them to pose for you.

• What about trash? Please don’t be a trashy person. Anyone who has been anywhere in nature knows full well how many people think their mama is following them around and just throws whatever they don’t want to carry on the ground, wherever they may be. If you are over the age of 3, carry your own s#!t out! I carry a trash bag with me, and so many times I can fill it from people who are too lazy to carry it out themselves, I AIN’T YO MAMA! This, in turn, makes my trip into nature more stressful and less enjoyable (not that they care). So please carry your crap out so everyone can enjoy a clean experience while in nature.

• Volume, please don’t act like you are the only one at a campground or on a trail out in the forest. So many times, you are in nature enjoying the quiet of it all, then here comes the noisy neighbors to ruin your day. If you want to get loud in nature, please do it way away from other people who are there to enjoy the peacefulness. You can be loud at home (your neighbors are used to it by now), but why be a menace…. If you want to play a radio, turn it to a low volume, then walk away to see how it affects those around you, then maybe turn it to an acceptable level. And kids… Please raise them to be respectful of others, it may be difficult in our society today, BUT it can be done.

• Pets, what’s a trip without the family pet? If your fam wants to take the pet along (spouses included), please keep it away from others who (for obvious reasons) don’t want your dog humping everything in sight including their leg. For fox sake and love for all… Please pick up after your pets’ landmine, fecal matter, etc. It isn’t full out in nature, or your own lawn, when someone can step in your pets s#!t. And if you have a pet that loves “talking” to everyone that passes or lets you know of every little noise it hears, maybe it would be best to get them a home sitter or taken to a pet boarding specialist.

Camping and being outdoors can be a lot of fun, even while respecting others enjoyment as well, who knew! I’m not asking for silence, just don’t act like it’s a competition to see who can be the loudest. We all have various levels of enjoyment. So, when you go to a campsite for the first time, maybe talk to some of the people around you to get a “feel” for the area. Most campsites have an “unwritten policy” or “a code of conduct” that most people follow. By this I mean campgrounds have “regulars”, people who go there often because the site has a good “feel” for them. So please “feel” around for the type of camping area you are in and make sure it is suited for your style of camping and enjoyment. I have been to a campground that was non-stop parting until 3 am. This was not my idea of a good time. Unfortunately, I did not “feel” around to find out what the other “campers” had in mind for a “quiet evening”. As they say “when in Rome” or roam somewhere that is right for you!

Hiking! What can I say about hiking. With so many hiking styles, I dare not insult one over the other by explaining them in full. Short hikes are meant for 4 hours or less, and you need take only minimal supplies like water, snacks, and survival kit (a lot can happen “on a 3-hour tour” ….). Always have your kit with you on a hike, even at home or in your automobile. Weather can change quickly, someone can get hurt, you can even get lost (disorientation happens more that you might think). You can minimalize the bad outcomes of these situations if you are even basically prepared. The kit can easily fit into something like a medium shoulder bag or purse so it can be carried with no issue on your journey. Day hikes are just as the name implies. You will need water, snacks, a light meal, comfortable boots or something that supports the ankle, a hiking stick to help balance on some trails, and of course your survival kit. Overnighter. Here’s where things get complex. Are you hiking? Or camping far away from others? It is a fine line... All you really need to do for this type of hike, is to have a backpack loaded for almost anything you will need in a 36-hour period! Easy peasy… Ultimately you will want to do a weeklong trip with other people. This happens over time as you gain experience. You will meet people on the trail and “join” an elite group of people who share common values and friendships. Planning this type of adventure calls for specific skills and physical demands that few hikers possess without a couple years' experience first.

Biking! What a way to go! And by that, I mean how fun it is. Whether you’re attacking chunder or pounding the “hard path” meaning asphalt or gravel. Depending on who you ask, neither type of riding is comparable to the other. If you enjoy riding a bicycle, all riding types are fun. I have 7 bicycles, each meant for a different riding style. Mountain biking is at the top of my list followed by road riding, then on/off road hybrid riding, head off to the city streets, and don’t cut out single speed cruising on a paved trail. The 6th and 7th are mountain and road bikes set up with racks to go on bikepacking trips. You don’t have to have a specific bike set up just for any one style. I started with a mountain bike and a nice road bike. In the beginning I had 2 bikes to cover my needs. Over the years, I have found great deals to acquire the other bikes for almost free and then customized them myself! Never be afraid to buy a cheap bicycle and practice doing maintenance on it. You will be amazed at the amount of money you can save buying “worn out” bikes and customizing them for the cost of upgraded parts! Trail etiquette and road etiquette are similar and is paramount for not getting into trouble with other riders, non-riders and ultimately the authorities. This related site is for enthusiasts, but it requires you to register to see its content.

Kayak, canoe, and canyaking (a combination of canoe used like a kayak) are my favorite ways to navigate the water. If you want fast on water, get a motor and stay away from the backwaters. If you want leisure, take a canoe. If adventure is what you seek, there are many types of kayaks that should fulfill your heart’s desire! Kanyaking, is the hybrid offspring from a canoe converted into an oversized kayak. The advantage is center navigation paired with massive storage. It is slower, heavier, and less diverse handling than the other two, yet is very appealing to those who know…. Life on the water poses specific challenges, such as losing everything from water damage if you overturn or sink. If you are advanced enough, your rig can be customized with compartments for easy cockpit access for your most used items. Cameras need to be away from splash and easy to grab when a photo opportunity presents itself. Learn which special oars and paddles are best for your type of watercraft choosing the right one will make life on the water much easier when used properly. Group paddling is a cherished event for enthusiasts since it is relaxing enough for conversations to progress in a more natural state. Camping at the water’s edge can be rewarding in it’s own right. Depending on your location, campsites near water offer the most rewarding evenings in nature!

I hope you enjoyed this information and put it to good use! This article is for your entertainment and some education. I am not the expert in all things outdoors. Your experience may vary according to your skill level, planning, and surroundings. If you can’t ride a bike well, don’t go mountain biking on a black diamond trail and not expect a trip to the hospital! The same goes for loading down a paddle boat and heading out across a large lake and then capsize because you read an article once and thought you could navigate the waters. Hiking can be a rewarding experience if you don’t head out to a class 3 trail your first time out and wonder why you woke up in a body cast. Camping is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have outdoors as long as you take proper precautions and plan ahead to make sure where you are going is right for you. Waking up at 4 am to sirens and gunshots? Probably should not have set up camp in a metropolitan downtown park!

In all seriousness, Going outdoors is the best way I know of to unwind, relax, decompress, chill…. You get it. If you have never tried outdoor activities, go at it easy. Act like a 12-year-old and walk into this nature thing with more questions than answers, and then find your answers! We all started something once. If your first time out sucks and you almost went to the hospital, CHEERS! You had a great experience! You made it home and can start planning BETTER for your next adventure! Every time you go out into nature to do an activity you enjoy, you can’t help but do it better each and every time! So, get out there, get dirty, have fun, act like a kid, you deserve to live a happy and healthy life!