Adventures with Friends

Throughout history, humans have had a lot of adventures.

Some of those were driven by basic needs. Hunger, shelter, survival shit. And some of them were pretty likely to kill you. Those we can probably do without.

But it feels to me like most people today aren't having enough adventures.

And the excuses are real:

• I wish, but the kids…
• My knees hurt…
• I just don't have the time…
• My wife would kill me…

Fair. You been reading my text messages?

But here's the thing.

An adventure doesn't have to be an Ironman, or a self-directed safari. But it should be more than a day hike. Big enough that you have to train for it. Planned far enough out that you get to feel excited and nervous about it for months. Hard enough that finishing isn't a sure thing. Plus a good friend. You need a good friend. One is enough.

Because adventures are good for you. And your friend. And your friendship.

Adventures humble you. Adventures toughen you up. Adventures build camaraderie. Adventures give you perspective. Adventures give you a story. Adventures make you feel alive.

In a world where most of us stare at a screen all day, going on an adventure is the most human thing you can do. Also, no AI out there telling you what to do. Yet.

My goal is one hard adventure a year. Preferably with a good friend. I've done a few.

• An ultramarathon with Lakes
• An Ironman with Marc
• A multi-day bikepacking trip with Corbin
• Walking the JMT with Carlyn and Marc
• Backcountry fishing in grizzly country with Frank
• Riding the Continental Divide with Rick
• Backpacking the Kalalau Trail with Pat

And just a couple of weeks ago, hut-to-hut through the Austrian Alps with Marc. One night we shared a room with 17 Slovenian women*, one of whom closed the only window. We cooked until sunrise.**

Someday I'll find something positive to say about that night.

Though I've told that story most days since.

So today might be someday.

Life is too short.

Do one hard adventure every year, while you still can.

Do it with a good friend. Nothing builds a friendship like wanting to kill each other and getting over it.

What should we do next year? Tell me what's on your list.




*Most of them were my mom's age, which is what I have to say if I ever want to do another adventure without my wife there.

**There was also one Slovenian dude. Big guy. Tight shirt. Tight pants. Probably all a bit too tight if you ask me. Slept in his undies. They called him the Sherpa. Legend. But he does confuse the story a bit.