Here are some pointers on how to make your weeknight adventure become a reality.
Pick a location within reason: Some folks will have better access to their favorite zones than others. Find a couple of places you know you can access reliably and still make it to work on time the next day.
Prepare like you would for any other adventure: Start packing early – having gear staged in your vehicle will equate to more play time and less time scrambling for your gear at the trail head. Once 5pm hits, and your desk chair is left slowly rotating as you bolt for the door, it’s a race against the clock to utilize the next fifteen hours for your time away. Aren’t you glad you packed the night before?
Be open to going with the flow: Setting a goal for what you want to squeeze in after or before work hours is good for planning out the activity you’d like to do – but don’t be completely against switching things around if an opportunity to do something different presents itself. After all, that’s one of the best parts about seeking adventure.
Plot-out your general timeframe: While I just noted that it’s good to go with the flow, it is equally important to have an idea of how long preparation realistically takes. Adding up the time it takes to get ready for your trek will be very helpful for setting the time on that early AM alarm you absolutely can’t wait to hear. Hit snooze once, maybe you’re ok… Snooze twice and you might be late to work.
Think ahead for the next workday: The adventure doesn’t end once you get to your vehicle. Don’t forget to bring a change of clean clothes that you can slip into after enjoying your journey, because no one like’s a stinky co-worker.