A few months ago, one of my favorite adventure bloggers Campfire Kam asked me for some tips on how to become a hometown tourist. Since I spend the majority of my week daydreaming in an office cubicle, I am very passionate about finding the perfect weekend adventure.
Whether you are a beginner, a regular, or just new in town, here are my top 5 tips for Weekend Warriors:
1. Go back in time.
Every place has an energy that resonates long after its been abandoned and covered in layers of graffiti. Exploring ruins is my favorite way to experience the history of my state. I’ve hiked to a Nazi ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, crawled through Big Horn gold mine in Wrightwood and walked along Bombay Beach on the Salton Sea. Time travel is possible. You just have to hit “rewind” and watch the reel play out in your imagination.
2. Bring a camera.
When I started my blog, I took photos to share my adventures with family and friends. Looking back at my photos from two years ago in comparison to some recent work is so rewarding because practice really has made me a better photographer. So instead of letting that nice camera collect dust, take a hike and experiment! It’s much easier to practice when you can tell a story with beautiful scenery.
3. Work up an appetite.
Usually, I don’t have to look far from the trail head to find a satisfying post-hike meal. My hunger cravings have led me to some unexpected local gems, like the Sunday Pot Roast special at Mountain Top Cafe after a hike to Big Horn Mine, BBQ ribs for breakfast at Lookout Roadhouse after a hike to Los Pinos summit, or more pot roast at Big Sur Bakery & Cafe after a 3-day backpacking trip to Sykes Hot Springs. Are you starting to notice a comfort food trend here?
4. Be spontaneous.
You’re not planning a trip to Iceland with six months to prepare. It’s Saturday morning, and your friend just invited you on a weekend road trip to Joshua Tree! [blockquote]You have no camping reservations, no expectations, and the open road is calling. What are you waiting for?[/blockquote]
5. Make new friends.
Let’s be honest. The friends you want to hang out with during happy hour aren’t always the same friends who will wake up at dawn to hike a mountain with you. With websites like Meetup.com, you’d be surprised by how many people may share your passions for birdwatching and free live music. I created a group called Shoestring Adventures LA because I’m pretty sure we both love adventures. I hope you’ll join us for the next one!
