In May, we’re diving into the theme of outdoor adventures. In 2020, after a challenging spring, many people ventured outdoors seeking fresh air, trying new activities, and carving new paths. As 2021 unfolds, explore our articles about 15 essential outdoor skills, top state parks nationwide, the trend of new hotels near once-remote national parks, and one individual’s mission to make outdoor experiences accessible to everyone.
As people scrambled to escape the confines of their homes in 2020, many found solace in nature. While some wandered the car-free streets of their cities, others relocated from costly urban centers to quieter rural areas, or headed to state and national parks to immerse themselves in the wilderness. This shift got us at TripSavvy pondering those first memorable outdoor experiences. Was it a hike that ignited a passion for trekking, or a snowboarding attempt that ended in après-ski frustration? Whatever the story, we wanted to hear it, so we asked our readers: What was your first outdoor experience like?
From camping mishaps to awe-inspiring nights under Namibian skies, here are eight tales of first encounters with the great outdoors. We’ve edited the submissions for brevity and clarity.
At 11, I went camping with my cousins and instantly loved the campgrounds—even though I was unprepared for how daunting an outhouse could be at 2 a.m. My cousins had horses, so we would ride trails and swim in the river. Riding through the woods, surrounded by nature’s sounds, is one of my fondest childhood memories. As an adult, I savor the smell of a campfire at night and cooking bacon over its open flame for breakfast. Enjoying a vacation free from clocks, TVs, and modern distractions is simply incredible.
My first true outdoor experience was car camping and backpacking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. We hiked up Mount Jefferson, then returned below the tree line before another night of car camping. The trip was uneventful, but it ignited my enduring love for the outdoors, marking the start of many adventures.
Having grown up in Minnesota, I was always outside, enjoying the snow. I remember summers picking berries, fishing with my grandpa, and bundling up in snowsuits to play or sled with friends.
My dad, an Air Force officer, took us on summer road trips to every major National Park. We moved to the Philippines when I was five, spending much time running through grassy gullies behind our house. I especially remember our 28-day ship journey back to the U.S., playing on deck, feeling the ocean breeze, experiencing a typhoon at sea, and stopping in Honolulu. The island was so beautiful I never wanted to leave, but we eventually arrived in San Francisco, passing under the Golden Gate Bridge on a foggy December morning. My childhood was filled with amazing outdoor experiences, and now I travel for adventure.
As a Cub Scout, my first camping trip taught me a lot. I unwisely pitched my tent on a hill; it rained, and I woke at the bottom, soaked and wrapped in my tent. Although drenched, the trip sparked my fascination with nature, from the grace of a hawk to the gentle sounds of a stream. I just wish I had known not to camp on a hill and to pack clothes in a waterproof bag.
In my 50s, I embarked on my first outdoor adventure—a trip to Namibia to admire its stunning night skies. While the stars were breathtaking, I encountered surprises due to my lack of knowledge about the country’s climate, transportation, and accommodations.
As a child, my family took road trips across the U.S., piled into a station wagon with a trailer. On a trip to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, I first encountered the wilderness. It’s also where I learned about Bigfoot and the dangers of wildlife, leading to a sleepless trip. Eventually, learning to love the outdoors and being mindful of wildlife, I now ensure I know the fees, get a site map with bathroom locations, and explore nearby activities when traveling.
Starting at age 9, my dad took me on hikes, nurturing my love for the outdoors and providing cherished one-on-one time. Those hikes taught me the best times to hike and that summer outings come with mosquitoes and ticks.
At 8, my dad introduced me to camping, which seemed odd until I spotted my first deer in the “wild,” igniting my curiosity to explore more. Now, I wish I had known there were so many outdoor enthusiasts and that all I had to do was find them!
