This post is sponsored by Backcountry.
Okay, think about this because I know you have an answer–your Greatest of All Time Moment that came from an outdoor adventure. Like me, maybe you can’t narrow it down to just one because you distinctly remember more than one occasion when you ventured out for a run or a swim or a kayak ride or a sun salutation in the woods behind your house and, a few deep breaths in, realized that this was different, this was special, this was one of those spiritual moments when, for a moment, your heartbeat synced with the earth’s, and you felt everything a bit deeper.
This question is one of my favorites to ask to spark conversation at a party because even the shyest people seem to jump right in–we’re passionate about the one-with-nature moments we’ve experienced, and we love talking about them. Ask me, and I’ll tell you about the February hike our family took beside that icy creek in Vail, or how the sun cast golden shadows on the lake as our kayaks skimmed the fog that morning in Northern Georgia. I’ll tell you about my favorite run in the mountains that one autumn or the horseback climb in Estes Park that took my breath away.
Backcountry calls these moments GOATworthy moments (Greatest of All Time), and their entire brand is focused on inspiring people to get outside and make more of them–try new activities, conquer fears, cross something off the bucket list, connect with the earth on a hike, through a sunset, in a spin class, on a paddle board, bike ride, yoga challenge, mountain climb, camping trip, or maybe simply a walk with your dog through the park on a regular Tuesday afternoon. And they have everything you need not only to make your GOATworthy moment convenient but memorable and stylish!
Often, when I think of my favorite outdoor adventures, I immediately think of trips we’ve taken–as if it requires traveling to make these stand-out memories, but I’m challenged this fall to explore our own little corner of the world and create GOATworthy adventures in our own back yard.
So we did just that recently, setting out as a family for a fall adventure here in Florida with a hike through Koreshan State Park followed by a sunset picnic on the beach.
And sure, maybe our adventure didn’t provide the adrenaline rush of a rock climb or a Black Diamond ski course, but we have our own versions of adrenaline rush adventures here.
(We were so excited to try the Fjallraven mini backpack, and we adore it. It went everywhere with us in D.C. last week, and the girls fought over who got to wear it.)
In the 1800s, Koreshan State Park was the site of a religious sect, and eleven of the settlement’s buildings still stand, restored as national historic buildings and open to the public. They’re different from most of the architecture here, so they’re fun to explore.
Surrounding the buildings are bamboo walking trails, a campground and the Imperial River where park visitors can kayak and canoe (just watch out for gators). Every time I post a picture of us near a lake or river, I get questions about gators. We maintain a healthy fear, and kids that grow up in Florida know not to jump into lakes. My father-in-law has been photographing alligators in the Everglades for years and has had many “encounters” with them nearby. For the most part, if you maintain a healthy distance and respect them, they have no interest in bothering you.
Nella opted out of a walking stick for her wand, of course.
This little hat on Nella though.
This whole smorgasbord of footwear is from Backcountry, but we are especially loving Lainey’s all-season Kamik boots and Dash’s Keens that work for everything! We’ve bought these in almost every size he’s ever worn.
We haven’t been together as a family on the beach since before the summer, so our post-hike sunset was extra special–sea oats and sand and gulf water that is slowly creeping back to a refreshing temperature after a Florida summer. I’m always reminded when I take the time to visit the beach how grateful I am to live only a few minutes from such a picturesque landscape.
This portable little beach table is so perfect–folds up into an easy-to-carry case and is high enough off the ground to create a steady, sand-less surface for food and drinks.
“We live here,” Brett smiles and reminds me, nodding to the sunset because he knows I miss a good chilly fall with cider mills.
But, as with every other year, we create our own fall, make our own adventure, find our own happiness in moments like these.
Pendleton blankets help. Can’t get to a cozy cabin? Take a cozy cabin blanket outside.
We’re looking forward to creating more of our own adventures this fall and remembering that our greatest of all time moments need not be grand and flashy–they simply require us to step out of our caves and say “yes”…to handstands in the sand…
…or holding hands while standing.
What #GOATworthy moments are you chasing this fall? Backcountry has you covered with the gear you’ll need with all the best outdoor brands and products that are both technical and stylish–from Patagonia, Fjallraven, The North Face and Frye to Free People (my sweater), Brixton (my hat–love!), Beyond Yoga, Pendleton and more. Use code ETST15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com
Now get on out there. Watch out for gators.
Farhana says
I enjoy your posts that are about delayed gratification and don’t involve buying more products- fewer things for the landfill.