If you’re a fan of all things outdoors – hiking, skiing, kayaking, climbing, etc. – you’ve probably run across people who think you’re crazy, daring, or strange. That’s okay, because there will always be people who understand you. Here are eight things all outdoor enthusiasts understand well.
1. Showers are Optional
Let’s be honest, it’s totally fine to go without a real shower for a few days. And by real shower, we’re talking about a man-made enclosure with plumbing fixtures and heated water – not a lake or mountain stream. This doesn’t make you nasty or strange – it just means you don’t rely on the comforts of home.
2. The Best Companions are Dogs
Have you ever thought to yourself, next time I’m taking this excursion by myself? This is frequently the case when you travel with people who don’t love the outdoors as much as you. Well, the good news is that dogs love the outdoors and will never complain. They also make for great protection when hiking or camping in remote locations. For example, American Bully Standards come in all sizes and are very protective of their owners. Dogs aren’t called man’s best friend for no reason!
3. Pictures Never Do Nature Justice
Have you just stopped taking pictures? At some point, you realize that pictures – no matter how great the camera – never do nature justice. The view is always so much better in person, and a picture somehow cheapens the experience. Instead of texting a picture to your best friend, your message is something like, “You’d have to be here to understand.”
4. Packing Light is a Must
If you’re proficient at packing for an entire weekend in a small backpack, you know you’re an outdoor enthusiast. You understand how to pack only what you need and – because you know you have to carry it with you – very rarely pack things that are non-essential. That means no hair products, pillows, or extra pairs of shoes.
5. There’s No Such Thing as Sleeping In
Can you even remember the last time you slept in? Outdoor enthusiasts typically wake up early to get a jumpstart on their day. Or, if you’re camping in the wilderness, the sunrise serves as your natural alarm clock. Sleeping in late makes you feel guilty and lazy.
6. Crowded Places are Intimidating
It’s not that you don’t like people, but you probably try to avoid crowded places as much as you can. You’d much rather be hanging out with a couple of your friends on a cliff overlooking a stream than rubbing shoulders with 50,000 people at a sporting event. Crowded places are intimidating because there’s just too much going on.
7. Fall is the Greatest Time of the Year
Fall is hands-down your favorite season of the year. Gorgeous foliage, cool weather, less crowded trails, and the steady crunch of leaves beneath your feet are music to your ears. You also totally understand what people are talking about when they say fall has a scent. It’s difficult to describe, but you know that smell. It’s cool, relaxing, and unique.
8. Communication is Sometimes Hard
Is your voicemail inbox filled with messages you haven’t yet had a chance to check? Outdoor enthusiasts are sometimes hard to get in touch with. After all, you sometimes leave your phone and email behind for days at a time. This can be frustrating for friends and family members, but it seems totally natural to you.
As someone who is enthusiastic about outdoor activities, it shouldn’t surprise you that people don’t always ‘get’ you. Well, the good news is that there are other people who understand what you’re all about. If these eight things sound familiar, you’re not alone!
Featured photo credit: Zach Dischner via flic.kr
