WEEKENDWARRIORS

"That's too far to travel for just a weekend trip."

Amazing things can happen 4-8 hours from home. Hit the road after work on a Friday and drive off into the sunset. Okay, you may arrive at the campsite after dark, but this is prime time for stargazing, catching a meteor shower or even the northern lights. Have a nightcap by the fire and fall asleep to the sounds of wind in the pines, the loons, the waves or heaven forbid, a long night of seranading by whip-poor-wills.

The Saturday of the weekend microadventure starts with coffee at sunrise and a day of possibilities Should we take that twotrack up that mountain? Should we ride bikes on the beach? Should we try to find that waterfall? Should we go for a swim or a hike or a paddle? Should I just take a nap in the hammock? There are no wrong answers here Pack in as much or as little as you feel like doing Be flexible A rainy day may dictate exploring offroad trails or chasing waterfalls instead of the kayaking you had planned but having the means to improvise and the ability to not get frustrated by unmet expectations can make a huge difference in your enjoyment level

Saturday afternoon is when that feeling starts creeping in that the end of the weekend is closer than the beginning. Now is the time to reflect and cherish the moment. End the day at the campfire with laughter and toast to the new memories made and new places explored. Sunday may be bittersweet as you head home, heart full and travel weary, dirty, bruised, sunburnt but satisfied. Wallow in it, this feeling is what we live for.