It's spring and here, at least, spring means rain. While rain can be dreary, don't let it put a damper on your adventure plans for the season. Here at Stillwater Outdoors, we're eager to get out and explore.
But where? After a few years in the same location, it can start to feel like you've explored every option, discovered ever treasure, and have nothing new left to do. Thankfully, we have a few ideas to help you get out and see your corner of the world in a new light.
Geocaching
Remember your childhood? Those endless days of summer where reality and fantasy were often indistinguishable as you created an imaginary world of pirates and dragons, space aliens and jungles? As a kid, I always secretly hoped I'd find pirate treasure while digging in the sand at the beach. Alas, my dream never came to fruition ... until now.
For those who are unfamiliar with geocaching, here's the basic idea. There are treasures hidden all around the world - millions of them. They come in different shapes and sizes and are hidden around you, sometimes in places you pass by every day. These caches can serve up hours or days of fun as you use the app on your phone or a GPS to hunt them down. After finding one, add your name to the log book, perhaps add or exchange a treasure (think time capsule treasure rather than gold and jewels treasure), and hide it again for the next hunter to find.
The best part? These caches can be found all around the world. Literally. So whether you're looking for an adventure in your home town, something to do while on vacation, or a reason to explore some exotic locale, geocaching can make you take a closer look at the world around you.
Want to join up? Create a free geocaching account here:
AllTrails
When it comes to hiking, there are almost limitless options that vary in length, remoteness, and difficulty.
So how do you find the right trail for you?
AllTrails is an easy-to-use way to find the right trail for your adventure. Whether you're looking for dog or kid-friendly trails, a more challenging way to explore your favorite area, or want some first-hand accounts of the trail, view, or difficulty, AllTrails is a great place to look.
They offer both free and pro accounts (at the time of writing this, the pro account was $2.50/month), so be sure to read the fine print and choose the account that meets your needs.
To find out more, check out their website:
Play Tourist ... At Home
This is a great idea for families who want to start in on vacation season without breaking their budget. Plan for a weekend vacation at home. Put away your work, tell friends and family (and co-workers) that you'll be on vacation, and do a search on your hometown. Try searching for "Tourist sites near ..." or "Best places to visit ..." and see what comes up. You may be surprised by what neat places are lurking in your own backyard.
Another option is to poll your friends and family. We're betting that they have favorite restaurants, parks, and nearby adventures that you've never tried. Or check with your local newspaper. There you can find articles about local events, some of which we're sure you've never experienced. No matter how you do it, playing tourist can be a fun way to see your hometown in a new light.
Hopefully, this article gave you some ideas to get out explore without breaking your budget or consuming all of your vacation days at work. Whatever adventure you choose, we at Stillwater Outdoors hope it's one to remember.