Ready for a micro-adventure?

Ready for a micro adventure? In a world where major achievement adventures are thriving, fueled in part by the global lockdown pushing boundaries, it's time to ask yourself: What summit are you chasing, what crag are you aiming to bag, or what distance are you ready to conquer?

What's your ambition this year? Are you on track with your resolution? Will you look back at 2024 and wish you could have done something cool, challenging, or different?

Drone pilots like Sebastian Schieren, based in Innsbruck, Austria, are pushing the envelope. His recent exploits in Iceland, showcased on Instagram, reveal an incredible pilot and filmmaker capturing the beauty of uncharted territory. This is no quick feat. Sebastian and his buddies cover serious ground, scramble, climb, and hike uncharted territory to achieve their mission. It is so pure and so cool.

Venturians from top left to lower right: Chad Boger, Beth and James Boucher, Gly Guy Matt Benka, David Denham, Joe Duffy IV, Jason Strong and Peter Campbell.

Living close to adventure like surf or summit? Bravo. But for the rest of us, it's often a 30-minute drive away. With limited time windows, planning and using those moments wisely is crucial.

These micro-adventures, day trips, or, what I like to call — double days—if two activities are packed into one. It's my remedy for adventure FOMO, flipping through Instagram where it seems everyone else is vacationing or using their free time better than I am. It's also the inspiration for our second watch—The Daytripper! 

Another way to maximize this precious time is to stay positive and in shape. My plan for the last dozen years has been to work out every other day. If a trip is planned I can easily ramp up from this baseline, but never go below it unless I get sick.

Founder/Designer Jason Strong up north with family and friends.

And their are health benefits, too.

The New York Times dubs them "short, perspective-shifting bursts of travel closer to home." Micro adventures, involving simple outdoor activities, offer a multitude of advantages, contributing to overall well-being. Here are three perks:

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Micro adventures let you escape daily stresses, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels. Time in nature correlates with improved mood and well-being.

Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Breaks through micro adventures stimulate creativity. Facing new challenges encourages innovative thinking and fresh perspectives.

Improved Physical and Mental Health: Regular micro adventures lead to better physical and mental health. Physical activity boosts cardiovascular health, energy levels, and sleep quality. Nature time is linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

So, whether it's a moonlit city exploration, a rip at the local MTB track, or pitching a tent in the nearby woods, these micro adventures contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Stay ready, stay adventurous.

Micro adventures for your mind.

For micro adventures of the mind there is, of course, AI to play with. To close out this edition of The Dispatch, I give you Improbable Future.

He or She is an industrial designer living in New York and create absolute gems out of Midjourney. I love looking at each creation inspiring me to up my craft as well as leverage Midjourney for a brainstorm partner when generating ideas.

Lastly, if you are into vintage inspired, upcycled goods check out https://puebco.us

Puebco is a renowned Japanese brand celebrated for its innovative and sustainable approach to design. Embracing the concept of repurposing and reimagining everyday objects, Puebco transforms utilitarian items into stylish and functional pieces. The brand's aesthetic reflects a harmonious blend of minimalist design and a commitment to environmental consciousness. From household goods to fashion accessories, Puebco's products exude a distinct Japanese sensibility, emphasizing simplicity and practicality. With a focus on upcycling and a nod to the beauty of imperfection, Puebco has carved a niche in the design world, offering consumers a unique and eco-friendly way to incorporate style into their daily lives.

They arrived in US in 2019 and are popping up here and there—locally for me up north in Grand Marais at the heavily curated Upstate MN. Here are a few of my selects.

As always, thanks for spending time with Venturian. Until next time, keep exploring and pursuing what matters most to you.

Stay wild!

Jason