The Warmth of Outdoor Adventure

Switching to a “Road Less Travelled” lifestyle was something I always wanted, and I knew I needed to help ease my kids into loving the outdoors too. They were already the kind of kids that enjoyed playing outside, but to constantly seek adventure away from others is a different lifestyle. So I eased them into it by making our exit and completion of all activities, something to look forward to.

I mean really, my kids had it pretty amazing at first. Dawn patrol departure meant that I had everything packed and ready and I would gently wake them up. Help them get into their clothes and, depending on their size, carry or walk them to the car where they would be handed a blanket and a warm breakfast. If that was my morning I would be fine going into work every day too! But it gave us stress free departures. The kids now actually ask for dawn patrol, not just because we skip crowds, but they have warm memories when they think about early departures.

Likewise, we end each trip with a treat. In the winter that’s often some hot cocoa that I make at the car. Sometimes I fill the kids’ Hydroflasks with boiling hot cocoa before we leave knowing it’ll be the right temperature when we get back. Other times I’ll boil some water and make them fresh. This year was the first year that it occurred to me that I should also make myself something. I’m not a fan of hot cocoa but I sure enjoy some spicy chai at the end of an adventure, and it keeps me going while I drive the troops home!