Adventure

The thrill of adventure is a gift that is good for the soul. It keeps you young. Vibrant. And a reminder that life is ever so good.

I spent the last 4 days in Scottsdale, Arizona. After a tough few weeks, it was so good to get away – even though I just got away a few weeks ago to Fayetteville. I’ve never taken two trips in such close proximity in the fall, so this was unusual. But the Scottsdale trip had been booked for months – alongside around 30 of our neighbors – and the Fayetteville trip was a late-call serendipitous surprise.

It is always tough to leave three kids and all of their activities behind. I am so grateful for amazing grandparents who make this possible. The gift of renewal is such….a gift.

But boy, is leaving town so hard. Any mom knows what I’m talking about. We have moved beyond the years of tears and “don’t leave me!!” but are in the thick of schedule madness.

For this trip, I typed out three pages of instructions, arranged numerous carpools with different families, and left detailed instructions for birthday parties, other celebrations, and sporting events. I left clean clothes all ready for each of them – for various sporting events, fancy functions and more. Groceries needed to be arranged and because cousins were staying at our house too, three different beds prepared the night before departure. Combined with texting my big kids through-out the day regarding various details, leaving town is no small feat.

But so worth it. I had a great time with treasured friends. Made deeper bonds with newer friends. Sat in the sun for hours and hours. Ate my weight in chips, salsa, and guacamole. Danced and danced – again! This time at a place called the Whiskey Row.

There were many highlights, but one stands out in its uniqueness. Saturday morning – after staying up way too late Friday night (morning?) – I went for a hike on Camelback Mountain. I wasn’t daunted by the idea of a hike. I’m in relatively good shape and a hike can be….kinda like walking, right? I love to hike in new places and see different landscapes.

But let me tell you – Camelback Mountain is legit! It is not long – a little over a mile up and down, but it is straight up. And super rocky. In many places you are literally climbing up rocks on all fours or crab crawling down rocks to avoid plunging off a mountain. One trip or skid on the gravelly, rocky path could end really badly. There are a few places so steep they have installed railings to hang on to. They airlifted two people out the day we climbed – largely due to dehydration.

It was such a blast. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was challenging physically – both because of the climbing aspect – and the sleep deprivation, a lack of breakfast, and some dehydration from the day before. It required focus to not lose your footing, to plot out the best path and to not become distracted.

And it was beautiful. There is something about new terrain that is so inspiring. That the landscape can be so different a few hours from home is always surprising. The sky was blue. The reds of the mountain were vivid and the occasional wildflower popped. I tried to soak it all in while focusing on staying on my feet.

At the top, you have to pause for a minute and really look around. Enjoying the feeling of accomplishment. The camaraderie of those you climbed with and the other climbers. And the gorgeous view.

Then, back down the mountain to enjoy a massive breakfast burrito and a day at the pool.

If I ever get a choice, I will choose adventure. The opportunity to try something new. To push yourself. To create a memory. It’s a beautiful thing.