Dance Experiment: Day 2
Since the Dance Experiment meets online by zoom everyday the session is recorded- meaning there is no excuse not to dance. Playlist and meditation are selected and just waiting in your inbox.
It’s 10:15 pm and I just finished. I started with the dancing and ended with the meditation given my day was ending rather than beginning. I gotta say, I’m feeling pretty great. Maybe it’s fulfilling the commitment to myself, maybe it’s the dancing, maybe it was filling my room with a sound meditaton right before bed. Whatever the reason, I’ll take it.
Dance Experiment: Day 1
Image: Reallifecoaching.net
We Do This For Fun allows me to meet the most interesting people and access ideas and events I’d never have found on my own.
Enter, Anastasia Allison, Founder of the Kula Cloth (podcast interview here).
Anastasia has been dancing everyday since January 2021. EVERY DAY! I experienced so much joy watching her dance videos and noted how fun it looked— then realized that was the spark. I had to try the dance experiment too.
Today, was Day 1. It felt fine at first, then weird, then fine again, then weird and then fine and so on and so forth… then it truly did feel FUN. I had to get out of my head and release my inhibitions. What’s that image I see everywhere? Comfort Zone versus Magic Zone?
May you find some magic today— and tomorrow if you want to test some potential magical waters, join me online for the Dance Experiment!
We Do This For Fun had a birthday- 3 years old!
Yosemite Backpacking Trip. My confidence has grown since launching We Do This For Fun. Last year I went on my first backpacking trip- we went big Yosemite. How else will you find yourself sleeping under the stars (no tent) with Half Dome in the distance?
We Do This For Fun is celebrating 3 years of podcasting. Our goal is to inspire the most inexperienced adventurers to take their first steps into the wilderness. Why? Turns out nature is important for good health. They say the keys to good health include nutrition, sleep, stress reduction and movement. Guess what? The outdoors provides you with opportunities for all.
We’ve explored the myriad of ways people experience the outdoors. Our conversations have included ultra-endurance athletes, outdoor gear entrepreneurs, nature photographers, artists, farmers, yogis, creators, paddlers, surfers, fat bikers, hikers, non-profit leaders, and more. All of them, every single one. Started out just like you. a novice, but felt a spark of interest- then they went for it.
We Do This For Fun hopes to help you access that spark, that possible life changing idea that makes life more fun. Give yourself permission to live a rich and full life- get out and have fun out there!
Caroline Sunderland on National Park Best Practices
Caroline Sunderland at work and play with Talus Expedition Gear
Caroline Sunderland gave us all a good primer on best practices for our next outdoor adventure. At We Do This For Fun we offer you tips and tricks for getting out into nature and thought some more detail from Caroline’s brilliance was in order.
Caroline mentioned the concept, Leave No Trace which includes 7 Principals:
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.
Caroline spoke to quite a few of these principals. We suggest that all campers, hikers or anyone who enjoys the outdoors become familiar with the principals and all they detail- these principals aren’t just respectful, they could save you or your loved ones life.
Types of camping
For our purposes, there are two types of camping: dispersed and designated. Designated camping is camping that has some amenities like a toilet, water, a table and maybe a fire ring. Dispersed means camping outside of designated camping areas. This type of camping is more secluded and service/amenity free (MAYBE a toilet). It also requires you to commit to extra responsibilities as a camper (see Leave No Trace Principals).
Know where you are
Caroline walked us through the various places you might find yourself as you adventure outdoors. Her insights were extremely helpful as we hadn’t realized the vastly different rules and expectations for visitors varying from place to place. Rules pertain to pets, collecting natural items, picking flowers, length of stay, etc. Please note, we’re highlighting the most generally used outdoor spaces by Americans, not covering everything that might be available to you.
National Parks
National parks are managed by the U.S. Department of Interior and are vested in preservation. They are the most sophisticated in terms of booking, the most expensive and are often booked in advance (but not always). Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but be there before 11 a.m. checkout for a chance to snag a site that’s being vacated. We learned how competitive the process can be in both Montana and New Mexico (and not in peak season!). Cars circled like vultures trying to get any spot that became available and people can get aggressive. Check out the campground’s website ahead of time to learn how they handle bookings and first come first serve sites. To book: Recreation.gov.
State and Local Parks
State and local parks are usually easier to get a designated site ahead of time, as well as to get a first-come, first-served site. Again, check the website. Book a campsite in a state park here.
National Forests and BLM Lands
I used the term BLM land this year and shocked my friend. In this case, BLM stands for the Bureau of Land Management. This type of land is managed by the U.S. Department of Interior and is used for a variety of purposes, one of which is camping. BLM land tends to be rangeland and desert. National Forests are managed by the USDA Forest Service and managed for various purposes, like recreation, but also timber, grazing, wildlife, etc. This land tends to have trees and green space. Dispersed campers find great opportunities in National Forests and BLM land. Some locations have designated campgrounds as well. If you see a sign that says, “Closed to Camping” it means it’s closed and there’s a good reason why you shouldn’t camp there. It could be dangerous or maybe sustainability is being considered. Just be a good person and follow the rules.Again, check out your desired location’s website…oh, and consider your vehicle’s ability to get there.
Private Lands
Private land can offer you a world of options and the rules will be defined and enforced by the owner. This could be a private campground like national chain KOA or a smaller campground circling national parks thankfully adding to camping inventory. These types of campgrounds can be quaint or behemoth. Be sure to check out sites like Tentr and Hipcamp which are the Airbnb of campsites and offer you a great variety of fun choices and amenities. For example, I stayed in a converted school bus in Vermont and it was heavenly!
Other considerations?
If you have a dog, check the websites of the campgrounds, trails and parks you are visiting. Different rules apply at every location for your little buddy. You don’t want to get stuck leaving that sweet thing in a hot car ruining your day with worry.
Because many sites are first come, first serve, ALWAYS have cash. Don’t miss your chance to snag the perfect campsite. Many sites ONLY accept cash.
ALWAYS buy firewood near where you camp. Wood carries insects and disease. Don’t be the cause of an infestation that destroys forests and trees.
Got a truck that needs outfitting? Caroline’s rig is the stuff of dreams. Check out Talus Gear and drool like I did in New Mexico.
No Time to Recreate? Stephanie Hanson Tackles Your Objections
“You don’t know when you’re going to have more money, more time, you don’t know when the kids aren’t going to have sports…”
It often feels hard to choose what to feature from our interviews with our guests. Do you focus on inspiration or get sappy? Is the focus a life event or is it just a discussion of the interview? With Stephanie Hanson one can go deep on experience, life design and wisdom but really what struck me most is that Stephanie Hanson is a woman intentionally living her values. She’s a role model for all of us who struggle with alignment. When you feel the objections to following your heart, prioritizing your family or finding time to recreate creeping in, we ask you to take a breath and ask yourself, “What would Stephanie do?”. Our wise sister has some advice for you.
Objection 1: “I don’t know how!”
Stephanie says, “Ask for help.”
Stephanie shared with us how asking for help will serve you. She’s been in some tricky situations and humanity shines. Vehicles breakdown, weather can be rough, sometimes you just feel out of your element- there’s no shame in asking for help. Most people enjoy sharing their knowledge and resources to help a human out. She’s reaped the benefits and has made friends around the world because she’s asked for help when she’s in need. It’s worth noting, asking for advice/help from others works in daily life too :)
Need help getting outside? We’ve got you. Contact us, we can help!
Objection 2: “I’m way too busy!”
Stephanie says, “There’s value in doing nothing.”
This sage advice has a name, it’s called “niksen”. It is a Dutch lifestyle concept where you are idle and do things without purpose. Think listening to music or just looking out a window. Take it a step further and sit in nature (without your phone). The key is to notice your surroundings. What do you see, hear, smell, feel? And if this sounds bonkers to you, we’d ask you to reconsider. There’s real value in this practice. Looking to enhance your creativity, increase problem solving abilities, reduce stress or improve your physical health? Niksen helps. Time Magazine and the New York Times agree with Stephanie too.
Objection 3: “Ok, actually my kids are too busy.”
Stephanie might ask you how you spend and prioritize your time as a family. Overscheduled kids are often a reason parents have no time and it’s also a bigger deal than we think. Just like parents, kids experience burn out, exhaustion, anxiety and worry from high expectations. Stephanie suggests we consider whose ambitions fuel your “busy” weekends at sports complexes and staying at crappy hotels. She and her husband made a concerted effort to develop and deepen their family’s relationship. Her daughter did NOT participate in summer sports (did your heart just drop to your stomach?). They prioritized down time at the cabin rather than spending summers in sports complexes dreaming of college scholarships for their kid. Think about assessing your schedule and consider prioritizing some time in nature with your family. It can be as simple as a walk outside (without devices) or with some planning, car camping can be an inexpensive and fun way to reconnect as a family and give your kid a break.
Objection 4: “There isn’t enough time.”
Stephanie would like to remind you that one day that actually might be true. At 42, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. At that point, she decided to listen to what called to her and designed her life around adventure and travel. She’s sailed in foreign lands, spends much of the summer in Northern Minnesota, and has that enviable “van life”. Take a look at her Instagram, you’ll see she’s created a career and business that lets her life speak. She’d like you to seize the day. Life can turn on a dime. It’s time. Now. If you’ve programmed yourself and family so much that “busy” is all you know, trust us, try a little nature.
It’s worth noting that Stephanie is a powerhouse and a self-proclaimed workaholic. Might her super powers come from unplugging so often and filling her time with life-giving outdoor experiences?
At We Do This For Fun, we encourage you to embrace what’s calling to you and ditch the objections holding you and your family back. Skip the tournament, game or practice and try something outside instead. Find a park bench without your phone. Sit quietly. What do you notice in your surroundings? What do you notice in yourself? If you need help, ask. Tips and tricks are our jam! We would love to help you ideate, plan or just consider your next outdoor experience. Stephanie is here for you too- give her a follow @stephaniesdish.
Ultra-Conscious Terry Egge
Terry Egge’s off grid refuge
After decades of working in Corporate America across Minneapolis, Terry Egge now finds refuge in an off-the-grid log cabin in northern Wisconsin. And we mean Off. The. Grid. She talked with us about learning to follow the rhythm of nature and inspires us to rethink the concept of luxury.
Terry is not unlike the ultra athletes we’ve interviewed at We Do This For Fun. She sought to try something new, challenge herself and reach new heights. But instead of doing the Arrowhead135, she bought an off-grid cabin. In Terry’s case, the cabin provides both physical and mental challenges, offers her lots of opportunities to problem solve and ways to create new habits- just like an ultra-endurance athlete. This cabin has helped to shape her into an ultra-conscious human being.
Being in nature and in a place where resources are scarce, she’s learned to do things differently. She noticed her patterns and challenged herself to change them. The cabin is not accessible by car, so a long hike or a short swim is involved to reach the front door. Since everything must be carried in, one must very intentional about what is brought and consumed. Water is only used when necessary. Trash is minimal. She lets the greenery grow and nature responds with flowers’ exotic displays. The less is more concept shines here. This lo-fi, simple approach seemed to make good things happen. So she brought it home too.
She credits this beautiful log cabin with changing her approach to life. In her experience, the rhythm of nature provided to her at this place, slowed and calmed her and once she got to know the feeling she “can recreate it anywhere”. What was her comfortable life of previous years has become uncomfortable- what a wonderful way to experience growth.
Trail blazer: Emily Ford
There is so much to say about Emily Ford and many profound nuggets in our conversation with her. One in particular that stood out was, “Don’t underestimate your impact.” This stuck with me for a variety of reasons.
We live in Minnesota. It’s been a tough year for us not only because of COVID, but because we are a flashpoint in our nation’s history. We are the place where Derek Chauvin, a police officer, murdered George Floyd at 38th and Chicago in broad daylight. We are the place where rioting and looting and curfews and unrest changed our state forever. We are the place where some felt paralyzed and many felt compelled to action. Emily Ford, from this place, felt the urge to make a statement, but wasn’t sure how. She took it upon herself to take action, but in her own unique way. She found it inside herself. She decided to make a statement about equality during this powerful period of history and hike the 1200 mile Ice Age Trail in the dead of winter (listen to the podcast to hear the details of the trek, it’s insane!).
This statement she made? That inclusivity is Emily Ford’s right. That a black, LGBTQ+ woman belongs wherever the hell she chooses to be. One more thing. Only one other person has EVER done this thru-hike in the winter. For this contribution, she’s been embraced as an outdoor adventurer, athlete, ambassador and role model. She seized her moment as the country and very specifically, her state, reckoned with racism and made a black woman visible in the wilderness. One person. One hike. Huge impact. The world noticed.
Seems like many of us are pondering the meaning of life, the dysfunction of society and how we might make an impact. It’s cliche, but true. You can make a difference any day. Emily may not have made her statement had her family not shared their outdoor passions or her childhood best friend’s parents not taken her to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You may inadvertently be a reason someone achieves great heights. Share your wisdom, your gifts, your passions- you might just spark something incredible in someone to help them find the “thing” that challenges notions, moves others to action or just helps with overall happiness and well-being.
At We Do This For Fun, we bring you fire starters like Emily Ford and itty bitty sparks like Lynn and I- we believe we all have the opportunity to blaze a trail. Go big or small, but do something, someone will notice. Follow @emilyontrail. Who knows what she’ll do next?
Kate the Great
Oh, Kate Coward, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways.
While you may not believe us, Kate is a mortal being
Record breaking ultra endurance athlete Kate Coward has experienced imposter syndrome? What? Imposter syndrome plagues many of us, but we can overcome it. How you might ask? Kate says we need to take action. It’s easy to say “it’s not the right time”, “I don’t have the right body”, “I need to train more” and then I’ll <fill in the blank>. Let’s stop doing that. Days become months and months become years....
What’s that “thing” you’ve been wanting to do, that thought that keeps entering your brain and you keep pushing it away? That may be a good place to start.
Kate is a deep thinker
“Outdoor adventures are the great equalizer.”
So you decide to take on an outdoor adventure. You’ve trained, prepared and feel confident in your approach. There’s just one more consideration, variables. Kate has thought deeply about how variables can make or break you. You can train, optimize your nutrition and have the clearest mindset and if the weather induces an asthma attack there is very little you can do about it. Our success or failure isn’t always based upon our preparation, inputs or exertion- weather, technicals, experience, mental blocks, health conditions, and everything else play into the outcomes. These aren’t excuses, it’s reality so let’s go a little easier on ourselves.
That said, “I can’t” should be used in very few circumstances, per Kate. “People have so much potential they don’t even know what’s inside them”.
Think again about that “thing” you want to do that you’ve been ignoring… yes, you can.
Kate believes in abundance
We knew we loved Kate, but she threw a big love zinger at the end of our interview that bonded us to Kate for life.
“The alpha female is out. Be cool and raise other women into the light.”
As many of us can relate, a weird female behavior rears its ugly head at a surprisingly young age. Undermining, gossip, condescension, envy and fake smiles. Hostility that burns designed to make other women feel inadequate and to keep them small. Where does it come from? Where does this get us as women? It gets us lower pay, feelings of resentment and unmet potential. It divides us and gets us nowhere.
Ladies, it’s time to raise one another into the light.
Kate expressed her gratitude for the community of women who race and how honored she feels to hold their company.
What if we were hell bent on getting what we want, but ditched the passive-aggressive (or just plain aggressive), unscrupulous behaviors? What if we embraced abundance and lifted one another up? What if we didn’t fear judgement from others? Think of might we achieve.
We Do This For Fun is all about lifting one another up for TRYING . Let’s meet every attempt by a woman with an equal accolade of support. You know where that will get us? More confidence, untapped joy, synergy, infectious energy that spurs action and ultimately met potential- who’s in?
Share with us one woman you admire for TRYING to help all women attempt that “thing” that’s tapping them on the shoulder.
Who run the world? Let’s make the answer to this question a reality.
Romantic Camping (for newer campers)
The moon, the stars, the quiet- camping must be innately romantic…think again. It takes work!
If you heard the Romantic Camping episode, you know that our experience with camping has not been synonymous with romance, but it has definitely strengthened our relationships. The togetherness of camping is nothing short of extraordinary. Time spent side by side, adversities met, and shared experiences have a way of bringing you closer as a couple. If you are looking for a way to connect or reconnect, camping can light that spark, but there are a few things you should consider before you book that romantic camping getaway.
What is your partner’s camping comfort level?
If your partner is new to camping, it’s best to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Start with car camping and focus on basic needs: food, water and shelter. Now strategize how you can meet these needs and amplify with small touches to make it an intimate and special experience for your partner.
We’ll soon be airing an episode with Terry Egge, a Minnesota philanthropy leader, who’s first camping experience included champagne and a small tv to watch a Twins game!
If your partner is comfortable with camping, think about what they have enjoyed in the past, now elaborate and take it up a notch.
What activities do you BOTH enjoy?
Camping is a time to find commonality. Don’t force an agenda. Be sure to offer options for outdoor activities you both enjoy. Agree on the day’s activities to avoid surprise. Have both partners restate the agreement (seriously, this is really important) to avoid someone doing something to appease the other person. Pack sunscreen, bug spray and don’t push too hard as sunburn, mosquito bites and complete exhaustion are also not compatible with camping courtship.
I almost left my husband after mountain biking on a much too difficult trail in Copper Mountain, Colorado. The next day I found myself biking the same trail again! It was almost our demise. Him reintroducing the idea and me appeasing him made me rageful. Not speaking up was my fault. This part of our trip was ruined because we didn't not communicate well. We were both to blame.
Make sure everyone is truly on board. We all feel closer when we feel heard.
What’s the weather forecast?
Mother nature is strong willed and unpredictable. Weather can sour romance in an instant if you aren’t prepared. Being tent bound can be fun, but more often it’s boring. Bring cards or games to entertain. The most important thing, however, is to know when to call it. There is no shame in heading home or to a hotel if someone isn’t happy. This act of kindness will do amazing things for your relationship like create trust and warm feelings of security.
Part of Lynn and I’s love for camping is the result of the Twins' understanding of our capacity for the unknown and discomfort. Packing out because of coyotes and calling it quits when the tent floods is a sign of love, not failure.
What are the hygiene needs of both parties?
Best to think about needs for hygiene ahead of time. If anyone requires amenities, be sure to book a campsite with both bathrooms and showers. When you book, confirm that the amenities will be available during your visit. Construction and time of year can remove campground amenities from your trip. Primitive campsites are called “primitive” because they lack amenities like running water, which means you will be using an outhouse. If your partner will be grossed out by the idea of using an outhouse and not showering, DO NOT book a primitive experience. Your chance for romance will be crushed (I promise).
A camping trip along the Appalachian Trail in 2017 showed us a very different side of camping. Hot, humid, very few people (probably because of the heat), campsites with few amenities and a region short on the lakes and streams I was accustomed to in the midwest. Water is key to my existence and a rinse is imperative to my mental health. After that trip my husband bought me a little solar bag shower- it changed my camping life (his too!).
Here’s a primer on how to meet basic needs while camping:
Shelter
-First, make campsite reservations: You can stay in a state, federal or private campgrounds, also check out the Airbnbs of camping, Hipcamp or Tentrr.
-Basic shelter needs:
Tent, footprint, stakes
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Pillows (no need to buy camping pillows)
Headlamp or flashlight
Camp chairs
Tip: There may be a picnic table, but it will likely be immoveable. There is nothing worse than looking longingly at a fire from afar from the picnic table. Borrow or buy camp chairs if you are car camping. It will be worth it.
Water and other beverages
-Bring water or jugs for water. Check your campsite’s website for amenities.
-Some campsites do not permit alcohol. Check their website. Bring koozies and cups for discreet imbibing.
-If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, boiling water over the fire is easy. You’ll just need a metal pot. Grab Starbucks Via Packs for quick and easy coffee. If you want to get fancier, we love our Stanley French Press for camp coffee.
Food
-Your food strategy will determine how much more gear you need for your trip and is entirely too vast for this post. Again, think of your partner’s tastes and what they enjoy. If you're new to camping, this might not be the best time to make a five course camp meal, but lucky for you there are lots of ways to be creative with food.
Tip: Impress your partner with a camping charcuterie board or tapas. Simple food can go a long way. Alternatively, carryout from the nearest town is completely legit! Any food eaten under the stars next to a campfire is camp food and equally as magical.
Fire (the 4th basic need)
Bring matches or a lighter, but not your own wood. Buy wood at the campsite or in a nearby town. Bringing wood from one area to another brings with it tree killing insects and diseases. Don’t be the cause of an infestation, pay for firewood (bundles will run you $5-10 depending on where you are camping).
Tip: Buy wood before you get to your campsite. It’s great to arrive and start a fire while you’re setting up and getting your party started. Watch for our post on building a campfire (coming soon!).
For camping romance, plan, prepare, and communicate. Sounds pretty similar to creating romance anywhere...
“Self-doubt is a lie.”
Leah Gruhn lives and breathes her mantra, “Self-doubt is a lie”.
There are people in our lives who personify the outdoors. Leah Gruhn is one of those people. She’s a geologist, lifelong camper, expert paddler, cross country skier, triathlete, gravel grinder, fat biker and ultra-marathoner. Even though she grew up in Rhode Island, she is also the quintessential modest midwesterner. Leah is a badass with some serious cred. Here’s a bit more more you should know about her:
Leah didn’t mention that she won the Arrowhead 135 in 2019, the year of the polar vortex. In fact, she was interviewed by the MPR and the BBC!!! Polar Vortex my friends, this is nothing short of extraordinary.
Wisconsin’s Tuscobia Winter Ultra 160 -she’s only won the 75 mile race five times (!).
She’s biked the Tour Divide, an ultra-endurance self- supported bikepacking challenge the length of Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). It’s worth mentioning that you’re supposed to go as fast as you can (what?)! The GDMBR is 2,696 miles and is one of the most “important off-pavement cycling routes in the United States, if not the world. The route crisscrosses the Continental Divide from north to south starting in Banff, Alberta, Canada and finishing at the US/Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico.” (Bikepacking.com) It’s also steep and hot. You have to carry everything you need with you to make it from Canada to Mexico (!).
The Iditarod Trail Invitational is the longest winter ultra-marathon. Leah earned 5th place woman in the inhospitable, challenging ITI 350 in 2016. In order to be eligible for this race, you have to compete and finish in 2 of 12 designated races (Minnesota’s Arrowhead 135, Wisconsin’s Tuscobia Winter Ultra 160 and her significant winter sport experience got her a spot!).
And then there are the gravel grinders…Alexander 380, DaMN 240, DK200, Royal 162, and lots of other races 100 miles long and shorter.
As a a volunteer coach for the Duluth Devo Adventure MTB team with an adventure and gravel focus, she inspires the next generation of female cyclists.
Leah’s “top tip” from our conversation was, “Self-doubt is a lie”. She’s got this mantra dialed in. With an ever growing manifesto of accomplishments, she models to all of us that if we ditch doubt and work diligently towards our goals our outdoor adventure dreams truly are possible.
What’s your dream?
Self-doubt is a lie.
Go do your dream.
(If you need help getting started, drop us a note wedothisforfunpodcast@gmail.com, we can help!)
Bare Essentials (Let’s Get Naked)
Enjoying one of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes
Something beautiful happens when you spend more time outdoors and specifically camping. One realization you may have is how much time you spend on needless vanity, worries and bullshit. A new image of yourself emerges, as absurd and time consuming beauty routines fall away. Mirrors become unnecessary. Majestic beauty is found IN yourself. You notice and appreciate the way your body moves- the strength of your legs, the muscles in your arms, and the force of your core. You might even get comfortable with the uncomfortable- like skinny dipping or pooping in the woods. The freedom that follows is nothing short of magical.
Our conversation with Leah Dussault was pure exhilaration. From getting back to her roots at Camp St. Croix to chatting about Diva Cups to the liberation of skinny dipping -it was all about the freedom the outdoors provides. So many ways to continue, but let’s cut to the chase, because Leah’s top tip is TRUTH and a researched fact. My friends, it’s time to “GO SKINNY DIPPING!”. While that thought might be stress inducing, research shows naturism (a.k.a. nudity) actually reduces stress, improves well-being and has a positive effect on body image. Just like Leah said. Really, was a study needed?
So Leah gave you a tip- now we’ll give you the trick!
First, what is skinny dipping?
Skinny dipping is swimming in the nude.
So how should you go about experiencing this life altering freedom? Here are some pointers on how to skinny dip:
Sobriety is key
Lots of us need liquid courage to do things out of character, but it’s dangerous to swim while intoxicated. Don’t do it. End of story.
Be smart in choosing a location.
Make sure he location is private and safe. Use your brain and intuition. Skinny dipping is illegal most places so there is the chance that if you are caught you could get into trouble with the authorities- but you know that.
Make sure there are no children around
If minors are around, you haven’t found the right location. Keep looking.
Keep your clothes close
Don’t veer too far from your clothes. Imagine them being stolen or needing to make a quick escape. Feeling trapped isn’t fun for anyone.
No pictures
Zero. None. This is a moment to experience, not document. Plus it’s weird.
Don’t stare
Skinny dipping is about non-judgmentally loving in the moment. Avoid comparing yourself, it just feels bad.
Skinny dipping is not sexual
It’s about intimacy with yourself or others you trust. Intimacy, trust and relationship building are the goal, not the other thing.
Ladies, your period is not an excuse
Diva cups. Tampons. We’ve evolved.
You should know how to swim
If you aren’t a confident swimmer, only go as far as feels safe and comfortable. Be aware if there are any currents or drop-offs that could surprise you. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself.
Be confident
Easier said than done. Remember this experience is about being unapologetically you and who you are in your body. It’s about freedom…your freedom.
What might happen if you ditched self-doubt, modesty, and clothes and embraced your inner Leah? We can’t wait to hear! Try it and let us know what it was like to do this for fun.
Outdoor Gear
We’ll be updating our lists and recommendations often. If you need a consult, just give us a shout @wedothisforfun and we’ll happily help you make smart choices on what you need for your outdoor adventure.
These old Danners got me a few compliments while shopping at Anthropologie… huh?
We turn to google for advice, suggestions and guidance for pretty much everything, including what to purchase. What could go wrong?
“What gear do I need to go camping?”
“What are the best hiking boots?”
“Best tent for a family”
“Top rated canoe”
In the gear space, marketing wins. Watch out for those top 10 lists that pop up after your searches for adventure and camping gear. Be cautious when viewing those beautiful instagram posts of adventurers in “gear” who look like models having outdoor experiences (they pretty much are). Companies pay influencers and publications big money to get your eyes on their products. This is called micro marketing and we’re all being targeted. Perfect storytelling, gorgeous people and incredible photography are tools to get us to buy what they want us to buy, not necessarily what we should buy.
At We Do This For Fun, we’re dedicated to providing you with REAL talk and product recommendations that really work. Our team (aka the Twins) can help you think about your purchases and determine what’s necessary, marketing or impulse. A gorgeous white Fjallraven jacket gently called out to me at a store this week. I carried that beauty around the store for a half hour, before I put it down. Seriously, how do I justify a white jacket for camping? That said, we’re not against buying something just because you like it- we all deserve to feel good. Our goal is to help you with the functional purchases and omit the surprise malfunctioning gear. Better to buy right the first time.
Certain products you can buy because you just like the look of them, others you should buy for their functionality and ability to meet your adventure needs. Here’s a couple of sites we trust, products we admire (or desire) and things we love just because:
Cooke Custom Sewing (lots of nice camp gear)
Backcountry (great gear for all)
Wintergreen Northern Wear (handmade gear from Ely Minnesota)
We’ll be updating our lists and recommendations often. If you need a consult, just give us a shout @wedothisforfun and we’ll happily help you make smart choices on whatever you need for your next outdoor adventure.
The Great Outdoors
Join us each week for inspiration to take that first step outside your front door or to build the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.
Jodi never thought she’d find herself at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, now she can’t stop thinking about when she can go back
Do you have the desire to spend more time outdoors, but aren’t sure where to start? Are you interested in learning how to camp, but feel a little clueless about camping gear, camp cooking, how to make a campfire or even how to choose a campsite? You’ve landed in the right place.
We Do This For Fun is a podcast and community about thriving in the great outdoors. It’s for outdoor experts and novices alike and a place to help you find the unique ways that you can connect with nature. We bring you ideas, tips and tricks, inspirational humans and transformational experiences to help guide your path to increased time in the outdoors.
We share ideas that may seem counterintuitive, like “it’s important to be uncomfortable”. Why? Because the accomplishment you feel after discomfort builds your strength and confidence and flows into all aspects of life. Slowly, you may find you have a new perspective on “fun”, the courage to say yes to things you’d never considered for yourself and heightened resilience that eases your day to day existence.
What we can promise you- you will discover something if you go outside. Something that moves you, changes your perspective or even transforms your life. It’s your curiosity that will help you find your outdoor “fun”. Maybe it’s van life, an RV or a tent. Maybe it’s a bike, cross country skis, or a canoe. It could be the Boundary Waters, Glacier or a rainforest in Belize. Maybe it’s simply a campfire in your backyard. Until you get out there, you don’t know what your “thing” is. Join us each week for inspiration to take that first step outside your front door or to build the outdoor adventure of a lifetime.
Meet the Twins
It all begins with an idea.
Andy Gruhn’s backpack…we call it the “Be Optimistic”.
Our conversation with “The Twins” aka. our husbands caused us to pause and think. Could the outdoors and camping experiences been key in developing who they are today? Lynn and I are Type A, we worry, we try to perfect, control and be certain before we jump in. We’ve been apprehensive about life. The Twins? The exact opposite. We got to thinking, can the outdoors shape the outcome of personality? These two men are so different than most people we know- uniquely laid back, optimistic and supportive. They are confident things will always work out and the common thread between them is their love of the outdoors and camping.
We’ll be jumping more into this idea in We Do This For Fun as we explore the power of nature. It’s good for all of us, but guess what? Studies show it’s really good for our kids and important for their development. Who needs to build resilience, move, be imaginative and inquisitive, and learn responsibility more than the next generation? There are real consequences to not spending time outdoors. Kids who spend time outdoors are happier, smarter, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who don’t. While our husbands are definitely not smarter or more attentive than us, they do seem to live life more effortlessly- free of anxiety, full of happiness and always excited for the next adventure.
Camping and time spent outdoors is fuel for the soul, but maybe it’s much more than that. The Twins grew up with more time outdoors than the many of us. Are they living proof that outdoor adventuring is key to happiness, creativity, and gratification in life? Could time spent outdoors and camping be the link many of us are missing?