Part 6
AT THE EDGE
While my local forests will always be my sanctuary, sometimes the soul craves grander landscapes.
These urges usually kick in a few times a year and often, it’s my circle of friends who tip the scales toward actually making a trip a reality. On my own, I’m content exploring the familiar groves and hidden trails near my home. But it’s hard to resist the allure of new adventures when friends share tales of unexplored territories and epic escapades around a cozy fire. Soon enough, plans materialize, and dates are set.
But it’s hard to resist the allure of new adventures when friends share tales of unexplored territories and epic escapades around a cozy fire.
Together, we embark on journeys that take us out of our comfort zones, elevating our outdoor experience. In the company of friends, we go further—past the edge of the map of our comfort zones. This is where dense forests give way to expansive tundras, and mushrooms are swapped for juniper, blueberries, and heather. We climb higher, drink from chilly mountain streams, and even spot the occasional reindeer. Every step pushes me a little more, adding layers to my outdoor life.
The thrill of not knowing our exact location, of being momentarily unanchored from our routines, is strangely liberating.
And just when I think I’ve hit my stride, something extraordinary happens. During one trip, we find ourselves on an unmarked trail, a little way off from where our maps claim we should be. For a moment, we’re truly lost, and it’s exhilarating. The unknown stretches out before us, and each step could lead anywhere. The thrill of not knowing our exact location, of being momentarily unanchored from our routines, is strangely liberating.
Eventually, we find our way back, but that taste of the unknown stays with us. It adds an extra layer of joy when I return to my cherished local forests, now infused with a newfound appreciation for the thrill of the unknown. In the end, whether it’s through companionship or pushing personal boundaries, expanding your outdoor horizons doesn’t just enrich your experiences—it deepens your love for every patch of nature, whether familiar or newfound.
Curiosity, adventures, even peace and purpose awaits us. It’s in our nature. Go find it.
I’ll always love the view from the top, but one of the best things that happened to me was learning to see the journey for all its worth.