As we seek out new activities and adventures, it is important that we do not bite off more than we can chew. Unless we are honest about our capabilities, we can diminish a beautiful trek, by overestimating our skill level, failing to research adequately in advance, or simply not equipping ourselves properly. The concept of being a “Placid Adventurer,” truly requires some introspection, as well as some preparation.
Yesterday, I decided to visit the Smoke & Davey’s Trail at Smithville Lake, in Missouri. I have been there before and done some short hikes. There is an extensive paved walkway, as well as a large network of bike trails. I prefer walking through the woods rather than on the pavement; especially on an unseasonably warm day. There is ample room to get out of the way of cyclists when sharing the single-tracks through the woods, and a greater opportunity to view wildlife and to get closer to the water’s edge.
I wanted to explore a bit further, so I followed the paved walkway to an intersection, that informed me that another 2+ miles would get me to “Sailboat Cove.” How could I resist? What could possibly go wrong? I asked Spot (the dog) if he wanted to visit Sailboat Cove, and he seemed agreeable, so on we went. In the meantime, the temperature was climbing, and I had really dressed for a hike in the woods (you know… long pants, a shirt with sleeves, and my minimalist shoes). We had only walked .90 miles, at that point and felt pretty good. I had not considered the heat of that blacktop and its impact on our feet and bodies. As we wound our way to Sailboat Cove, I was grateful that I had brought my CamelBak®. We needed water, for sure! I also began to question the wisdom of my minimalist shoes.
Do not get me wrong. I really like those shoes. They have been fine for me in virtually every situation. I even wear them at work on that unforgiving concrete floor, where my average steps range between 11,000-13,000 per day. I did not look at my step count until we were back in the car, so I am not entirely sure at what point (step-wise) my feet became uncomfortable. On the way back to the trailhead, we spent a lot more time on the trails through the woods but that last mile back to the car was onerous. The total step count? 18,372.
I am sometimes overly spontaneous when it comes to local outings. Yesterday’s foray was very instructive! There is a ton of information available about Smithville Lake and the surrounding trails. I will certainly familiarize myself with the terrain before I visit again. Planning to utilize only the bike trails will yield a more enjoyable hike for me and for Spot, but I need to be able to visualize how they intersect with one another to avoid doubling back. As you can imagine, the bike trails really meander through the woods and make it tough on those who may be directionally challenged. This is a well-used trail system, so the risk of really getting lost is small, but incorporating those bike trails into the trek added about a mile to the trip. In a different setting, being a mile off track could have more serious consequences; even today where we have GPS at our fingertips.
Every day is an adventure… plan to make it a safe one!