10 Ways to Get Out in 2010

© Joe Shlabotnik

Biking on the beach - you can't do it everywhere, but when you can, it's sublime.

2010 is the Year of the Tiger. According to Chinese mythology, those born during the next twelve months will embrace adventure and thrive on life's unexpected challenges. Members of this, yet unborn, group will find particular courage and fulfillment when facing the new and unusual.

The rest of us, on the other hand, may or may not embody such adventurous characteristics. Either way, the New Year is upon us and it's time for our yearly Resolutions, so lets resolve to take heed to our unborn brothers and sisters and embrace adventure, appreciate the unexpected, and seek the new and unusual. Because the outdoors is right on the other side of your front door, adventure, physical health and spiritual satisfaction are closer than you might think. Here are 10 ways to get out an enjoy it. 

1. Visit a Park

There are over 350 National Parks, Seashores, Forests and Recreation areas in the United States. Hundreds of additional State Parks, County Parks and City Parks make it hard not to live near one. This year, go visit a new park or take a friend to an old one.

An amazing aspect of the park systems, of all levels, is that the land is ours. It belongs to you and me for us all to enjoy. As stated by the federal government in 1872 (Year of the Monkey), while establishing Yellowstone National Park, public land is "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people."

Take advantage of public land and take a walk, ride a bike or just sit and appreciate life.

2. Pack a Picnic

For some reason, food always tastes better outside. The average PBJ with an apple, dark chocolate and water is a gourmet feast when savored atop a mountain vista. Cheese and crackers take on a whole fresh taste with birds above, bugs below and the perfect tree behind.

Let 2010 introduce some unexpected meals into your days. Keep an "emergency" picnic blanket in the car for impromptu outdoor dining. The kitchen, the cafeteria and the corner deli won't change any time soon so go outside and dine with adventure, it's never the same twice.

3. Do Nothing

Life is busy. Many of us dream of simpler days, only to interrupt the serenity with a phone call or a text or a list or an appointment or a show. Turn off the gizmos, leave the list on the fridge, lock the door and head outside. Atop Pike's Peak would do as would a canoe ride among the Ten Thousand Islands. A hike through the Badlands would suffice or, better yet, sit under a tree behind your house. The best place to converse with your natural surroundings is wherever you are. Life may be busy but that shouldn't prohibit some peaceful and quiet moments. Don't let them wait until next year.

4. Take a Class

Many parks, clubs and schools offer outdoor classes in everything from native edible plants to landscape watercolors. Such classes are almost worth their cost just for getting us out and sharing a new spot, or an old spot with a new point of view. The skills learned are a bonus to entice us back. Browse the local catalogues and find something intriguing. Feel the "Tiger" spirit and have fun.

5. Bike or Walk

If work or school is not a realistic destination for biking or walking, then find something that is. During the evening or weekend, make "getting there" part of the adventure. Spend the extra few hours and walk to the library to return those books. Hop on your neighbor's bike, after asking permission, and take the long way. Everything slows down when you slow down.

6. Make Out

Kissing is a manifestation of a primal urge to show affection towards another. Humans have kissed since, at least, the beginning of Early Greek civilizations. Animals, like chimps, foxes and gerbils, kiss too.

For something "new" in 2010, take your significant other outdoors for a primal session. The fresh air, sand, soil, trees, cactus, grass or snow will surely energize your tendencies.

7. Hike at Night

If your three year old daughter or your forty three year old husband has a little time before bed, grab a flashlight and take a hike. The backyard, the neighborhood alley or the town square are perfect and completely different without the sun. Learn to identify night sounds, maintain a moon journal or make "blind" sculptures and wait until morning to see the results.

8. Explore the Shore

The United States enjoys about 12,000 miles of coastline. Within our boundaries, thousands of lakes, rivers and ponds speckle, dot and cross our great land. Most cities and towns were established on or near water. Chances are, you live near some.

For an economical, adventurous and fun choice for the New Year, explore the shore. Kids, boyfriends, parents and beyond can connect to their natural surroundings, share an intimate experience and enjoy the outdoors on the shore of any water. Insects like water, fish eat insects, birds eat fish and we can experience the whole cycle.

9. Slack the Line

A "slackline" is very similar to a tightrope. Back in the 1970's, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts developed the activity with strength, balance and the mind, in mind. Recently, "slacklining" has enjoyed huge growth and international appreciation. Give it a try and you'll see why.

In its simplest form, a slackline is a piece of webbing tied between two trees, a couple feet from the ground. Start at one end, and try to walk to the other end without falling off. It differs from a tightrope simply because it's not as tight and it's not a rope. Nothing expensive, nothing fancy and nothing high-tech is needed, just two trees (or light poles, car bumpers or fence posts), some webbing and a heap of balance.

10. Fly a Kite

How are evil spirits, fishing, war, funerals, meteorology, thievery, newborn honor and 3,000 years of history related? The kite. Although kites have a history, rich with tradition and practical use, today they're just plain fun. Reintroduce the kid in you with the simple yet invigorating thrill of flying a kite.

The beauty of kites is that it forces us outside and into the moment. Kites don't care about yesterday or tomorrow. Current conditions, wind direction and immediate surroundings are all that should occupy the kite flyer's mind. As human need for thrill increases, so does the kite's square footage. Some of today's kites are huge cousins to the old-school models. Although ancient Chinese kites scared away evil spirits and overthrew armies, today's "power kites" can lift a grown man up and over the trees. Before tree-jumping, however, be sure to take lessons and know your gear.

Our greatest teachers are those who we allow to influence us. Sometimes those teachers are at the front of the room but frequently not. Sometimes those teachers aren't even human and sometimes those teachers aren't born yet. The "Year of the Tiger" is upon us and those who have yet to be born in 2010 have something to offer the rest of us. Let's embrace adventure, especially the small ones, get outside and have fun. Happy New Year!