Recently, I came across a travel journal from my twenties. Adventures logged with details about the when, where, and with who. And then my writings ceased. I realized the last submission came when my daughter was 3 years old. Ah, that explains it. I was a mama in the thick of motherhood. Upon reflection, it was the magical time of exploration and growth. But in reality, I also know that this magic was sprinkled with lack of sleep and the physical exhaustion that results from the care of a young child.
Fast forward and that young child just finished her first year of college. It’s been a year of transition, of finding self, of accepting change and of learning to grow – and explore – again.
Earlier in the year, I launched my focused effort on moving forward – the texture project. And though I haven’t been as diligent as I intended on writing about it, the idea of texture – adding and paying attention to – experiences that add to my joyful journey – has continued.
A few weeks ago my husband and I set out to celebrate our wedding anniversary. And, inspired by that travel journal, we embarked on a biking adventure. The idea: park the car, bike 20 miles, overnight in a quaint town, bike back. The challenges? Old bikes, not the fitness of my 20s and no preparation for this biking adventure, and packing minimally so that all could go with us on our two bikes.
Though it has been a few weeks since this adventure, it hasn’t been due to the need to recover. Thankfully, we still can do the mileage, the old bikes worked (though we did have some envy towards those flying by us on their electric bikes) and the trip was a success.
So, the texture project – whatever week it is – now includes a focus on micro adventures. Adventures such as 24 hours, two bikes, a new destination and definitely new memories.
Ready to ride? Here’s an overview of our recent micro adventure:
* Park overnight near Lock 3 in Akron
* Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail South
* Overnight stay in downtown Brick Loft Above the Coffee Exchange Company
* The Exchange Coffee Company (I’m still thinking about the homemade key lime poptart)
* Dragonfly Winery in Canal Fulton for dinner
I was reminded that adventures don’t always need to be big…sometimes, micro adventures are the best.
What’s next? Canada by way of ferry and then on bike!
There are still pages left from that travel journal from many years ago…
