Adventure and the Joy of Feeling Alive

When I have too much routine, I go crazy. I crave adventure, I need adventure, especially in nature. Adventure is food for my soul.

One of the beauties of working from home is creating my own schedule. I go on mid-week adventures and spontaneously pick places to explore.

This week I chose Kenosha Pass, a gorgeous place to hike, especially when the fall leaves start to change color. As soon as the thought popped in my head, the decision was made – Kenosha Pass or Bust.

The adventure began when I started my car. I opened the sun roof, blasted “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” and headed westbound.

One Eagles playlist and an hour and 15 minutes later, I pulled up to the Kenosha Pass trailhead. I smiled when I saw only a few cars in the parking lot. The less people, the better – I was there to connect with the mountains.

I grabbed my backpack and trekking poles out of the car, locked the doors, and headed toward the trail.

Once I got moving, I found my rhythm and tuned into the meditative click clack of the trekking pokes against the dirt.

I felt strength in my legs, and excitement in my veins not knowing what I would come across. I love the feeling of the unknown – it’s when I feel most alive.

Thirty feet off the trail, I spotted a fort and felt a twinge of eerie Blair Witch Project vibe. I walked over with my heart pounding. Ducking my head in the fort, I admired the craftsmanship and the coziness…what a commitment to build this thing, geez. Whomever built it knew what they were doing.

I proceeded back to the trail and continued onward and upward.

When I reached the high point, I took a deep “awe-hale” as the LOOOONGGG view of Kenosha Pass came into sight. “Thank You, God” came out of my mouth in gratitude. The vastness and beauty knocked all thoughts out of my head…I was 100% present. 

I sat down in the grass, stared into the view, and took it all in. My trivial worries from home vanished and were replaced with peace. Nature puts everything into perspective.

A Luna Bar and an hour later, I made my way back down the trail feeling connected to something greater than myself.

With the parking lot in sight, I tuned back to the trail and inhaled a breath of gratitude into every cell of my being. My soul was fed.

Adventure connects me to what matter most…the joy of feeling alive.  

Do you crave adventure in your life? I’d love to hear from you….what type of adventures do you like to go on?

Adventure is calling, and I must go,
Devon