When I was a child I loved playing in the sandbox … I had one of those green turtles sandboxes filled to the top. At that age it was impressive in size – its width and depth seemed ample enough that everyone could play in the dirt. And, if there was an occasion when more wanted to play than could fit we simply decided in our child-like way a process where everyone would get their chance to dig. In the sandbox we devised greater plans, expectations and the decisive responsibly each of us was to uphold.

I loved the equality of the sandbox. Everyone got to play. There was accountability. If you didn’t bring the cupcakes you promised, the jug of lemonade, the sheet for shade you were called to task. You knew your commitment had an impact on everyone. No one got away with less than they were able to contribute.

In the sandbox everyone got to go home with a few flecks in their eye. Sometimes the bruising would be more pronounced on one on any given week but the goal was always the same – everyone gets to play in the sandbox.

Decades later I still enjoy playing outside and play with a conviction in the truth of the open-air elements. Outside, nature’s survival of the fittest combines with hardy endurance. The smell of the dirt …

Many are attracted to the smell of dirt. And, despite thousands and thousands of backpacking miles in the trees and mountains and desert I’ve never been able to adequately and vividly describe the smell or emotion I feel. Interestingly, I googled “how do you describe the smell of dirt” and learned that it isn’t the smell of dirt at all but instead an organic chemical called geosmin that gets the nose all a flitter. In the geosmin is a bacterium that produces the chemical that smells good. Makes you want to grab a handful of dirt doesn’t it?

When I’m outside a good day consists of delving into opportunities that awaken my senses. Pigpen’s dust bowl doesn’t dissuade me. Dirt streaked up my legs and around the crease of my neck invigorates and serves as a reminder that I worked hard, that I invested and involved myself in the day’s experience.

Leading by example is a model to which I subscribe. For new backpackers sitting in the dirt during a break is a foreign concept. We’ve grown afraid of the grit, particles, stray pine needles or small crawling bugs that may remain once we get up and brush ourselves off, load the pack back to our shoulders and carry on. Amazing the reward to notice the moment when someone who is not acquainted with the ease of the transition sits, eats, observes the environment around them and will pick up and move on. I relish those instants when awareness comes full circle.

In those days the sandbox was as big as the world of my imagination. But, then as I travel I learn, my imagination wasn’t any less than the opportunities that still abound to play in the dirt.

About Step Outdoors, LLC

Step Outdoors wants you to go outside and we lead individually inspired one foot in front of the other adventure pursuits to get you there. We tailor a first time overnight backpack or a more challenging multi-day hiking adventure just for you. All adventures take into consideration your goals, fitness and experience level. Perfect for mothers and daughters, couples, families, co-workers or a group of friends, we provide a 100% guarantee of fun.

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