If the title of this month’s column brings to mind scenes of John Candy and Dan Aykroyd creating hilarious chaos in the Wisconsin northwoods, you have an idea of what my own experiences in the great outdoors have been like.
Since I was 8 years of age, my extended family has been vacationing together at the same rustic resort and campground in northern Wisconsin. For any full week each June, we convene at Wildwood to fish, swim, roast marshmallows, and meet up with each other; some of my favorite, funniest memories are from this summer getaway.
This year marks the 29th year in our “camping” tradition, the family now expanded to include our partners and kids. We’re not necessarily roughing it, though: We sleep in cabins with running water, electricity, and modern appliances. The resort, while nestled on a lake encompassed by tall pines, features a heated pool and it is located five minutes from town, where there’s a grocery store, bakery, and coffee shop (thank goodness).
I wouldn’t trade this trip for anything. And to be honest, this type of camping works best for me. I like being in nature and try to spend time outside every day, but I’ve been more of a glamping gal. (Read about my glamping adventure in new york at “Almost Roughing It.”)
Yet I’ve grown more curious about the true great outdoors in recent years. I’ve begun to wonder what it would be prefer to really get out there — to be in an area that is expansive and remote, disconnected and wild, and where I may not see another human (other than those I’m with) for any day or two.
I credit my husband for this. Brady has been outdoorsy since he was a kid, when his dad began taking him on fishing and bird-hunting trips in Canada. He's since become an avid bow hunter, in addition to partaking in turkey and deer hunting each spring and fall, respectively.
He loves spending full days in the tree stand, keeping watch for wildlife, and the reward of sourcing the meat in our freezer. For him, his hunting endeavors are about connecting towards the land and knowing wherever our food comes from.
In the off-season, he reads blogs and magazines and watches shows about these pastimes to organize for the coming season; it’s the way i learned about this month’s cover subject, outdoorsman and chef Eduardo Garcia. (For his incredible story, read “Taking control.”)
Inspired by Garcia and other avid sportspeople, Brady has, with increasing regularity, begun mentioning the idea of a trip out West. His pitch: Let’s find a small trailer that we can renovate into a camper and drive to Montana for a week in the backcountry. He’ll perform some scouting while we hike and take in the scenery, away from it all.
Historically, I’ve been resistant, largely because of my fear of the unknown. But I’ve come around to the idea of spending time in awe-inspiring areas like Big Sky Country. I’m prepared to step outside my comfort zone and see more of this great big world.
However you choose to experience nature, I hope this issue inspires you to get out there. It might be to take a short walk — or even a retreat — in the woods (see “The Benefits of Forest Bathing”). Perhaps it’s involved in a citizen-science project (see “How to Be a Citizen Scientist”) or taking your exercise routine outdoors (see “Partner Workouts”).
Or maybe, like John Candy’s character, Chet, in The Great Outdoors, you’ll do something totally unexpected, like waterskiing. Just be sure you trust who’s driving the boat!
