By rights, we should hate Alastair Humphreys. He is pretty clearly having more fun than we are, in more exotic locations, with better gear. But it’s very hard to take issue with a person who has such infectious enthusiasm. And we especially like his campaign to make 2011 the year of the backyard microadventure: “An adventure that is close to home, cheap, simple, short, and yet very effective.”
The message is that you don’t have to be rich—or fabulously fit or highly trained—to stretch yourself and experience something new.
No one is saying you shouldn’t also take that ski trip or hike a completely new trail. The point is that not every voyage of discovery has to be epic, and that people in other parts of the world would consider it a great adventure to travel around your neighborhood. (Probably.)
And there’s a contest. With prizes. The rules are simple: leave from your front door, go on foot (or bike, or ski, anything without a motor, so, probably, dogsled, too), stay away 24 hours, take a swim outdoors, sleep outside. Tents are frowned on but not prohibited because, as Humphreys points out, “Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.” See what we mean? Hard not to like the kid.
For an introduction to Humphreys’ microadventure campaign, you can read his essay over at Adventure Journal. Or go directly to his web site.
Photo of and by Alastair Humphreys.
