As an adventurer, challenges, and the
finding of new challenges, is a standard of the game. Setting goals
as an active outdoors enthusiast is not only important, but rewarding
when checking each goal off the list. Summit a 14,000 foot peak,
complete a 50 mile backpack, complete a 100 mile backpack, complete
the PCT, climb the highest peaks on each continent, build a jet pack
and summit the moon! From the attainable to the impossible, goals
set and worked towards keep the outdoor spirit alive. I feel I'm not
alone with the excitement and overwhelming jitters I get as a new
adventure draws closer and closer. The bigger the goal, the more
excitement I feel. However, as you read this and draw up the plans
for your jet pack, let us wander off the large challenge trail, and
focus on the little things.
In this installment of Bucket List
Adventures, the big challenges are asleep in the tent, and the little
things have taken the trail. 5 mini-bucket list items...we will call
them Pint Glass Adventures, to give life in the outdoors a twinge of
the fun, the goofy, and the memorable. So grab your pint, fill it
up, and put your jet pack in the garage for another day.
Pint Glass Adventure 1- Sled or Board or Run or Roll a Sand Dune
Remember being a kid? Do you really? So
long ago, but remember those big hills and the first thought that
crossed your mind when on a big hill? As an adult, I see a big hill
and say, “WHY? WHY do I have to go up, always up?” Yet as a
child the reaction was much different. “YES! A hill to roll down!”
And with this childhood glee, Pint Glass Adventure 1 comes to light.
Grab your winter sled, grab your snowboard or skis, get ready to
roll into an oblivion of dizziness and head to a sand dune. This
thrill of flying down the sand is to much to pass up in this life.
For a great place to go for such a great day of excitement just head
to Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, just south of Florence,
Oregon. A great campground for kids, the park offers a playground, a
lake, and many dunes that are vehicle free, making a day of sand
sledding fun for all. A little more extreme, check out Sand Master
Park in Florence, Oregon. Take sand boarding lessons, rent sand
boards, and much more, Sand Master Park has a lot to offer.
Sand Master Park:
http://www.sandmasterpark.com/
Honeyman State Park:
Pint Glass Adventure 2-Grab a Anaheim Pepper and a Beer
Red solo cup, take a seat. This
adventure is easy, and fun. Step 1, go to a store and buy large
Anaheim peppers and beer. I prefer Pabst for this, but your tastes,
your choice.
Step 2, go to a relaxing yet festive
outdoor local, maybe the beach, or the river. Step 3, cut top off
pepper, hollow out pepper. Step 4, open beer and poor into pepper.
Step 5, drink! While not seemingly much of an adventure, there is
something just plain fun about drinking beer our of a pepper. And
for the really brave, try jalapenos and tequila! And for the
extreme, moonshine out of a chipmunk!
Pint Glass Adventure 3-Night Hike with the Moon
Nothing can be as thrilling as a good
night hike, especially when done with only the light of the
moon.
The bright light and dark shadows, the different sounds of the night,
and the ever present threat of a bigfoot attack make a night hike a
must do. Some suggestions: Hike under a full or almost full moon.
Shouldn't have to be said, but a sliver doesn't provide much light,
and using a headlamp just isn't the same. Also, find a place that is
open. The Oregon Coast, unless on the beach, is not the best for
this. The high dessert though, or the high Cascades, is perfect.
And last, stick to a well defined trail. Don't get lost in the dark!
Also use this opportunity to sleep under the night sky. No tent, no
problem.
Pint Glass Adventure 4-Crawdad (Crayfish) Catch and Feast
Planning is imperative here, but a day
of catching crawdads is fun for the whole family. Find a good creek,
walk in and catch the little guys without getting pinched. Cook them
up, eat with a sauce of butter, garlic, and lemon.
The planning. First find a place with
a hefty population of crawdads. Drift Creek Wilderness, accessible
from both Newport and Waldport, Oregon, is an outstanding location
for crawdadding (crayfishing?). The under 4 mile trip in can make
for either a long day trip or a great overnight backpack.
Catching the crawdad is another aspect
plan for. To catch, find one in the water, and be ready to move
fast. These critters swim at an impressive speed, launching
themselves with their lobster-like tails. However, when ready for
the catch the technique is to use pointer finger and thumb and pinch
the crawdad right behind the pincher legs. They can't get you from
here. Have a container of water to put them in. The rest is like
crab or lobster. Boil until bright red and enjoy. And one last word
of advice, bring some other food. You will never fill up on crawdad
tails. Oh yeah, did I mention, only eat the tail meat!
Drift Creek Wilderness:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recarea/?recid=42399
Pint Glass Adventure 5-Jump off a Cliff
Okay, this is not one I do anymore, but
jumping off a cliff and landing in the waters below is an experience
everyone should feel once. Just be careful. Check for rocks under
the surface, don't jump from too high unless you are experienced, and
have a buddy around just in case. Then, jump. Many areas have good
cliffs, and for a beginner jumper I would suggest a height of 10-20
feet. May not seem like much, but that will change once you are on
the cliff and ready to jump. Also, remember to land correct. Feet
first!!! You only belly flop once from a cliff jump.
The exhilaration you get from jumping
is comparable to nothing, and you will remember the experience for
the rest of your life.
Thirst for Adrenaline
(thirstforadrenaline.com) has a great section on cliff diving
locations in Oregon. So find your cliff and have blast!
Thirst for Adrenaline, Cliff Diving/
Cliff Jumping:
5 smaller adventures and fun things to
do. Remember, while the larger goals are great, always take time for
the little things.
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