Transitions: Back to Planning

I realized that between the time of my last review and now, it probably looks like I dropped off the face of the adventurous earth (as compared to the couch potato earth). I assure you I haven’t. Not at all. I’ve been busy finishing up the snowboarding season, learning to rock climb, prepping and purchasing summer gear, lining up product and industry interviews, eyeing up some trips, and that whole working thing. Work to live, right?

The ironic part of all of this has been the feeling of transition once again which I didn’t think would come back after the sabbatical adventure. Back when I was planning sabbatical, I at least went into it knowing I was halfway decent at snowboarding. It’s a much different story with rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, kayaking, mud runs, and just about everything else New England offers during the summer. It’s weird being a newbie again (or at least a fuzzy intermediate), but in an odd way – I like it. It makes for a challenge, and I like challenges.

So wondering what is in the works? Well, I can tell you that in the way my winter was focused on snowboarding, this summer looks like it will predominantly be focused around rock climbing. I’ve been indoor rock climbing now for almost two months, and I’m psyched to take my growing skills to Pawtuckaway (NH) and Rumney (NH). It’s a cool sport in that once you have the necessary equipment the costs really aren’t so bad. It’s hard to beat spending the entire day outside using every muscle in your entire body. And besides, I have to admit the rock climbing community is pretty welcoming and awesome. Never met a group like this before!

Also in the works are some hikes in the incredible mountains of New England. I haven’t quite narrowed down which ones or when, but they will be happening and I’m open to suggestions! What else? I’m definitely will be headed to West Forks, Maine again this year to raft with U.S. Rafting so I’m psyched. I think I need to get a Contour helmet cam this year for the trip. It’s hard to explain the view from the middle of Magic Falls on the Kennebec when your guide is screaming “Paddle!!!” so guess it’s my job to show it to you now!

Some local trips will be taking me to zip lining at Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, New Hampshire, and while my rock climbing gym doesn’t know it yet – they’re getting a feature on here too. There’s also going to be an abundance of local kayaking and mountain biking too. The tough part has certainly been trying to figure out where to draw the line on what is truly an outdoor adventurous activity. For example – does paintball count?

I’m sure I’ll come up with a lot more, but please, please, please feel free to throw suggestions my way. I started begging in the last post, and I’ll probably keep begging until I’ve accomplished everything on my bucket list someday!