Documenting Your Adventures!

Isn't it great to have the ability to snap a photo instantly when you want to or need to?  Throughout history, people have always documented their adventures.  From writing it down, to drawing it or painting it, to photographing it, it's been done.  But never as easy as it can be done now.

Think about the efforts that were taken to capture the moment, before the technology of today's cameras and phones.  Moments that were handwritten, sketched, and painted took quite a bit of time to produce.  Hell, by the time you got done painting a beautiful sunrise, it was probably the next day. And forget about an instant capture of a person in motion. And what about the ability to share what you did?  Back then you could show someone in person, put it on the wall,  or mail it.  But now, just
post in on Facebook, Twitter, etc., write a caption, and tag everyone you know so they can see it pretty much instantly.  What a change!

It's great to have the the technology to document life.  I am a big advocate for keeping past experiences alive and there is no better way than with today's advancements.  The only thing I would urge, is to try to capture them in the best way you can.  Sometimes, we take the luxury to snap a quick shot for granted and don't do the moment justice by getting the best shot we can.  Instead we get a mediocre one.

That being said, take advantage of the innovations that have been brought to us and get out and use them.  Experience more adventure and take more pictures and videos along the way!

Don't Forget About The Big Muddy!

The Missouri River is such an important part of history.  The importance of this vital river goes so far back into the history of man that we can only imagine what is was like. But we do know that it has played an important part in our expansion west to just about everything to do with the Kansas City area. And we should be grateful and enjoy what it can provide us, especially in the way of adventure!

However,  I am finding by my many conversations with people that this mighty river is highly underappreciated.  The views being expressed are that the Missouri is nothing more than a dirty, nasty, and polluted river that is not useful for much more than supply transport. And definitely not worth recreational purposes.

I must disagree!  Unless you have been on the river and experienced the power and thrill you can't say anything.  There are many adventurers out there taking advantage of what the Missouri can offer and enjoying the views and history that only it can provide.  Yes, it's dirty, but it's been dirty since the beginning of time.  Missouri is a muddy state.  

As for the pollution, welcome to what humans do. But if more people don't take an interest in the Missouri River and just forget about it instead, then it will only get worse.  Unfortunately, the majority of the lakes and rivers in Missouri have some form of pollutants in them.  But the levels are low enough that there are no issued warnings to stay out of the water, that I have yet found.  The Missouri Conservation Department supports the use of the river, does regular monitoring of water quality,  and issues warnings as needed.  

And just let me say, a view like the one above from a kayak or canoe is quite a sight!  The thing about history is that it is always continually changing.  The river changes, the city changes, and the people with them.  Get out and experience the history and the adventures yet to be had.

Don't Let Life Pass You By!

Don't be one of those people who look back on their life and realize they could have done so much more! Get out and live life to the fullest. Go see places, do things, meet people, try new food and experience the wonders that exist out there. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our daily tasks that we get stuck in a box and feel like we can't get out. But, we can and we must.

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Most people may think that you have to be rich to see the world. Sure, money does allow you to go many places. But, I can tell you that there are many places you can go that do not take much money, if any. You might not be able to travel to another country, but you can see places that you never knew existed. You might not be able to stay in 5-star hotels or eat at gourmet restaurants, but you will have a time of your life. It comes down to priorities. If you are willing to tough it out a little in the way of comfort, you can then see many great places. Adventure, that's the priority!

Life is so full of adventure, which we can experience if we choose. Sure, some of us may never be able to travel to exotic far off places, but we can see as much of the world as possible and meet all kinds of new people along the way. We just need a little initiative and motivation. So here you go, "Get off your butt and go live life."

Give Back To The Earth!

Anyone who spends quality time outdoors and visits many different places will tell you there is always one thing those places have in common...trash! It's a sad reality. You can't go anywhere without seeing litter. From our highways and neighborhoods, to our forests and our streams, trash seems to always be present. And what's worse, is that it seems to span generations.  Civilization seems to always leave the worst part of itself behind, believing that everything will be just fine. 

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Unfortunately, for those of us that slow our lives down and seek the beauty of the earth and all that it has to offer, also get to see the ugliness that humans have to offer. I believe people are innately good, but that they just do not think about the consequences of their actions and the future it alters.  Each person gets to choose what type of legacy they leave behind. Is it a legacy of caring, protection, and life? Or one of neglect, ignorance, and demise? 

Humans have the ability to achieve remarkable things. So...tell me why we choose to do the most despicable things as well? 

How Depressing Is Bad Weather?

As we all know, bad weather can be very depressing. We go to bed having the desire to get up and enjoy another beautiful day biking our favorite route, hiking our favorite trail, or kayaking our favorite lake. But instead we wake to a chilly, windy, and  wet day. Our hopes are dashed and the blues start to move in. Now, a few of us are extremists who usually don't let a little weather stand in the way of our fun. But, the depression still gets to us all the same and that's because we all enjoy doing fun things when the weather is fine. Our body and mind soak up the bright, warm day and rejuvenates themselves. Weather contrary to this, tends to do the opposite. 

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But hang in there, because the next beautiful day is just around the corner. You will get the chance again to enjoy those activities that make you itch. So, enjoy the day for what it is and use it as a day to catch up on your favorite book, arts and crafts day with the kids, or some alone time with your sweetheart. But whatever you do, don't waste it! Life is way too short!

Prepping For An Adventure

Whether you are planning a one day hiking excursion, a weekend canoe trip or maybe a week long bike ride, the most important thing you need to do is prepare properly. There is nothing worse than getting out on your adventure, getting out too far to turn back, and realizing you forgot somthing vital. So, do your homework, make a list and do it at least a week or two before your trip.

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There are so many things that need to be brought on any particular trip that are necessary for your safety and your comfort. Taking adequate time to research and compile the appropriate gear is worth the effort. It makes an adventure more successful. If you are fairly new to the outdoors or just want to hone up on the advances in gear, there are endless websites and blogs dedicated to help the average person know what is a must and what is frivolous. But remember, you need to practice with your gear. If you don't know how to use it, it does no good.

Imagine this scenario: You have reached the national park that you chose for your weekend camping trip. You and your family of five load up your gear on your backs and hoof it another two miles into the forest. But right as you reach your campsite, clouds begin to move in and you now have only 10 to 15 minutes to set up your tent. You pull the brand new tent off your back, pull it out of it's bag, open it and realize right off, no instructions. That's ok, you can figure it out, right? So, you begin trying to set it up, but now it's sprinkling and then the second realization pops into your head. Having not checked your gear properly, you were unable to catch the missing tent pole that should have been in the bag. Now, it's pouring.

Don't be this guy. Prepare appropriately so you and your family can have an adventure of a lifetime!

Pushing Your Limits!

If there is one thing that I know for sure, it's that you can't improve yourself at all if you don't push your limits. We have to stretch ourselves and be forward-thinking in order to accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves. Each consecutive goal we set should be a little closer to our believed limits. What we will inevitably learn is that our limits will continue to move further away from us. It is only when we become stagnant or complacent that our limits tend to smack us in the face.

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That is why it is very important to get ourselves in the right mindset, set the goals that help us defy our limits and then do the work to reach them. And let me just say, it is work. If it wasn't, then it wouldn't be fun! So, strive to push your limits and dream of something better. You owe it to yourself!