Begin where you are...
Adventuring is one of my greatest pleasures. I love planned vacations, relaxing on beaches, paddle boarding on the lake, slack lining in the park, and I am always up for some impromptu exploration. Adventuring doesn't have to be complicated, although as a mom, my adventuring is different then it was 10 years ago. There are nap times to consider, playdates, snacks, packing water for more than just myself and often carrying a child in a baby carrier. However, spontaneity doesn't have to go by the wayside, but your level of patience should be near laissez faire.
I'd like to encouraging those new to adventuring or those longing for some experiences to begin where you are. Start in your backyard looking for bugs, or seeds or birds. Find out about any trails nearby, look up the constellations for the month of July and learn 3 new to you.
I live in a fabulous place for adventures, many people travel here to Bend, Oregon to vacation for ski season, rock climbing, cycling, rafting and this list is ever so long. People move here to live a lifetime vacation. I live here because it's fabulous but also because it's close to family and near my hometown. Lately, I've been lusting to repeat some adventures with my kids that I had myself as a child. Oregon is a wonderland of geology and Bend, Oregon is no exception. The Lava River Cave is a mile long lava tube that is a must see. It's part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and operated by the US Forest Service. It's also a budget friendly destination. Entry is free with your Northwest Forest Pass or a daily fee of $5 per car.
I will throw in a "heads up" know before you go caution about White-Nose Syndrome. It's a fungus that is deadly to bats. At Lava River Cave you will be given an orientation about the fungus and what you can do to protect bats. Firstly, if you are a spelunker (fancy word for caving), whether hobby or more serious, you can directly protect the bats. Shoes, clothing, headlamps and any other gear that has been in another cave should never enter another cave without being disinfected. This means being treated with an alcohol solution of at least 30% or a bleach treatment. Washing does not remove the spores of the fungus and the spores can live for 10 years on your gear. You will not be allowed to enter the cave if you were in a cave 10 miles down the road yesterday, wearing the same shoes.
Less earth shattering but still important for your own comfort is that it is 42 degrees in the cave. Gloves and a coat or warm fleece will help you make it all the way to the end of the cave. You can rent a light there, which is a great option instead of having to worry about where or what cave your headlight might have been in.
So, you don't live in Bend, or Oregon but you long for an adventure, begin at your own house or from the local coffee shop. If you are adventuring with kids, keep it short and sweet until they build up the stamina for longer more elaborate adventures.
Rules for adventuring:
1) begin, you have to start somewhere and often your own town is perfect
2) plan, it's the know before you go approach (food, water, bathroom, fuel, map) and never be afraid to call off an adventure if you do not feel prepared. And never pressure someone else that feels uncomfortable, you could easily end up with bigger issues
3) bring a friend, it's self explanatory!
4) photos! it's great encouragement for adult and children alike to relish their experiences with photos.
Some of the steeper areas or more dangerous places have these grated walk ways,
