Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone, Face Your Fears And Do Cool Stuff
Author: Make It a Life of Adventrure
Scott MacWherter is a former United States Marine. After his military service he spent several years traveling around the world working on luxury cruise ships.
In 2017 Scott sold his house in Tampa Florida rented an RV, drove across America to California. From there he flew to Melbourne Australia where he lives with his wife, daughter, and their bearded dragon Cricket.
If real skydiving seems too intense for you, consider starting with indoor skydiving. You’ll be lifted by a powerful vertical wind tunnel, simulating free fall conditions. This can be a great adventure for individuals of all ages. You can take the kids if you have them. If you do I want, you to join in too. All too often I see parents on the sidelines just watching or scrolling on their phones. If this is a family adventure, everyone who can needs to participate.
The Wind Tunnels for indoor skydiving are located inside buildings so this can be an exhilarating rainy-day activity. These facilities are often used for training by professional skydivers. The masters make it look easy but learning the positioning and micro-movements for control in simulated freefall is not easy. Having said that as a beginner there will be an instructor in the wind tunnel with you. Helping you along the hole time.
One of the most well-known adventure sports is Hang Gliding. It’s one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the thrill of flight. Imagine soaring through the skies with the wind in your face, getting a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes below. Hang gliding is both an adrenaline rush and a serene experience all rolled into one. I know that seems like a contradictory statement. However, once you get used to being that high, it’s really quite relaxing.
I took a couple of tandem flights at a place called Wallaby Ranch in Florida. Florida doesn’t seem like a place for Hang Gliding because there are no mountains to launch a glider from. Their solution is simply to tow the glider up with an ultralight towplane and release the tow cable.
Yes, this will seriously test any fear of heights you have but it is an incredible experience and worth doing.
The future has already arrived. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.
William Gibson
Back when I was a kid flying a Jetpack was mostly the stuff of science fiction. Yes, they existed but only NASA had them. To the average person Jetpacks were only something in Sci-Fi movies or cartoons. We were told maybe one day in the future we could all fly jetpacks.
The In the last 20 years Jetpack technology has grown by leaps and bounds. Jetpacks are used extensively on space walks. Now they also are being used by firefighters, in search and rescue operations and by the military.
The future is now! With the invention of Hydrojet packs almost anyone can fly a Jetpack. Hydrojet technology allows to you use ordinary water as the propellant instead of some sort of expensive, toxic rocket fuel. You have an umbilical hose the hooks up to a jet ski that you tow behind you.
The biggest limitation to these is you have to be over water for them to work. I don’t see a downside to this at all. There is a learning curve to learning how to pilot one. As you can probably tell by a couple or the photos below, I lost control and crashed several times. I am glad I was over deep water when I did.
It was all in good fun. Even when I panicked underwater, hit the accelerator and torpedoed myself even deeper.
Wildlife watching can be an exhilarating adventure! Although this is usually a little tamer than some of the adventure ideas I have talked about, it can become extreme. This is especially true if you’re observing majestic brown bears in Alaska, witnessing lions roaming the Serengeti, or marveling at my favorite, the Saltwater crocodiles in the northern part of Australia. Each experience, whether it’s a wildlife safari in the wilds of Africa or watching the squirrels and birds in your backyard, brings its own kind of adventure and thrill.
As you immerse yourself in these experiences, it’s important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable. I once had a close encounter with an elk larger than some cars I’ve owned. This taught me the importance of caution and respect when interacting with wild animals. Always give wildlife plenty of space so they don’t feel threatened. Observing from a safe distance not only protects you but ensures the animals can behave naturally.
I was once chased by an elk bigger than some cars I’ve owned. I have a pretty clear understanding that wildlife can be unpredictable. So, it’s best to use caution and good judgment around them. Give the critters plenty of space so they don’t feel threatened.
Here’s a glimpse of what makes it so captivating:
Discover the Unexpected
With each outing, there’s the potential for discovering new and unexpected wildlife. For instance, while hiking in a national park, I unexpectedly spotted a rare bird species that I had only read about before. The thrill of that moment was indescribable, proving that nature is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
Every wildlife watching adventure is unique. You never know what you’ll encounter, which adds an element of surprise and excitement. Sometimes I am surprised that I come across the exact creature I was hoping to see. Other times, I see something that I hadn’t even thought of or even knew lived in that area.
The tranquility found in nature cannot be overstated. Breathing in the fresh air, listening to the rustling leaves, and observing wildlife in their natural habitats can be an incredibly grounding and soothing experience. It’s a wonderful way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and the environment.
Connect with Nature
Learning about different species and understanding their behaviors enriches our knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. For example, observing a family of otters at play provides insight into their social dynamics and intelligence. This type of learning fosters a deeper connection to the environment, encouraging us to advocate for conservation efforts.
Being out in nature, observing animals in their natural habitats, can be incredibly grounding and soothing. It’s a wonderful way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For those with a passion for photography, wildlife watching presents countless opportunities for stunning shots. Imagine capturing the grace of a deer leaping through a meadow or the majesty of an eagle soaring against a clear blue sky. These moments can be immensely rewarding, and with the right techniques, you can create lasting memories to share with others.
Learn and Appreciate
Sometimes, spotting elusive animals requires patience, stealth, and perseverance. For instance, attempting to catch a glimpse of a rare snow leopard in the Himalayas can be a daunting challenge. However, the thrill of finally spotting one after hours of waiting can make the experience even more rewarding. This aspect of wildlife watching teaches us valuable lessons in patience and dedication.
You get to learn about different species, their behaviors, and their ecosystems. This not only enriches your knowledge but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Participating in wildlife watching not only offers joy and excitement but also raises awareness about the importance of conservation. Understanding the threats faced by various species and their habitats can inspire you to get involved in conservation efforts. For example, volunteering with local wildlife organizations or supporting eco-tourism initiatives can have a positive impact on preserving biodiversity.
Capture Beautiful Moments
Whether you’re a photographer or simply enjoy taking pictures, wildlife watching offers countless opportunities for stunning shots. Capturing the grace of a deer or the majesty of an eagle in flight can be immensely rewarding.
Challenge and Adventure
Sometimes, spotting certain animals requires patience, stealth, and perseverance. This challenge adds to the thrill and can make the experience even more rewarding.
Conservation Awareness
Participating in wildlife watching can also raise awareness about the importance of conservation. Understanding the threats faced by various species and their habitats can inspire you to support conservation efforts.
The top picture is a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets we watched for some time. Below are some of the pictures of animals I have taken since we moved to Australia.
Flock of wild Cockatoos Wombat Wombat mother & Joey Wombat Joeykoala (not a bear) Swamp Wallaby 1Swamp Wallaby 2 Laughing kookaburraSaltwater Crocodile Large male Kangaroo Crimson Rosella Echidna Oversized Joey Sticking out Tawny Frogmouths Tawny Frogmouth chick
Flock of wild Cockatoos Wombat Wombat mother & Joey Wombat Joeykoala (not a bear) Swamp Wallaby 1Swamp Wallaby 2 Laughing kookaburraSaltwater Crocodile Large male Kangaroo Crimson Rosella Echidna Oversized Joey Sticking out Tawny Frogmouths Tawny Frogmouth chickFlock of wild Cockatoos Wombat Wombat mother & Joey Wombat Joeykoala (not a bear) Swamp Wallaby 1Swamp Wallaby 2 Laughing kookaburraSaltwater Crocodile Large male Kangaroo Crimson Rosella Echidna Oversized Joey Sticking out Tawny Frogmouths Tawny Frogmouth chick
Get ready to embrace the challenge and adventure of wildlife watching. Not only does it offer thrilling opportunities to capture stunning shots, but it also raises awareness about conservation efforts. Each wildlife encounter is unique and has the potential to teach us something new about the world we share. So, grab your camera, step outside your comfort zone, and explore the beauty of nature while supporting the conservation of wildlife habitats. Your adventure awaits!
Happy New Year! I think this just might be your year for adventure. Like with all things becoming more adventurous starts with the decision to. Of course, at the start of the year everyone thinks of making changes in their lives.
I am not sure if I came to this on my own. Maybe I read about it in somebody else’s blog first. However, I myself don’t do new years resolutions anymore. I haven’t in years. Instead every 1st of January I write out a bucket list. Then I compare it to the list from the year before. What have I ticked off. Is there anything I wanted to do before I am no longer interested in. Oh here’s one that has been on the list for a while that I haven’t gotten to. Maybe I should make it a priority this year.
Each year, millions of people craft New Year’s resolutions with the hope of making transformative changes in their lives. These resolutions range from pledges to lose weight to aspirations for learning a new skill. They often start with enthusiasm. However, the excitement begins to falter as the months progress. That is why the best time to join a gym is in March. In March, all the new members who joined as their New Year’s resolutions start losing motivation. They begin dropping off like flies.
In contrast, the concept of bucket listing provides a more effective and fulfilling alternative for setting and achieving personal goals. Bucket lists, with their broader scope and deeper emotional significance, offer a superior framework for creating meaningful and sustainable change. If you want that in simpler terms; New Year’s resolutions are things you probably don’t want to do but feel you should be doing. Bucket list items are things you really want to do and have more personal meaning for you.
New Year’s resolutions frequently emphasize measurable outcomes, such as losing a certain amount of weight or saving a specific sum of money. While these goals are important, they often overlook the experiential aspects of life. What do you want to experience?
A bucket list, a compilation of goals, experiences, and achievements one aspires to accomplish before “kicking the bucket,” serves as a personal manifesto for living life to its fullest. This is also referred to as a “50 things to do before you die” list. You can do 100 things or more if you want to. The only limit to the list is your imagination.
One key advantage of bucket listing over New Year’s resolutions lies in its long-term perspective. Resolutions are typically tied to a single calendar year, creating an artificial sense of urgency. This short time frame often leads to unrealistic expectations and eventual disappointment when goals are not met. In contrast, a bucket list spans a lifetime, allowing individuals to set goals that resonate deeply with their values and passions. This extended timeline fosters a sense of purpose and encourages steady progress rather than rushed efforts.
Bucket lists are inherently personalized and reflective, focusing on what truly matters to an individual. Whether it’s traveling to a dream destination, learning a new language, or pursuing a creative passion, bucket list goals are tied to one’s unique aspirations. This personal connection makes the journey toward achieving these goals more rewarding and sustainable than the often generic resolutions like “exercise more” or “eat healthier.”
Unlike New Year’s resolutions, which are often rigid and unforgiving, bucket lists are inherently flexible. Resolutions tend to have a binary nature—either you succeed, or you fail. Missing a week at the gym or indulging in a forbidden snack can lead to feelings of failure and abandonment of the goal altogether. Bucket lists, however, accommodate life’s unpredictability. Goals can be revised, postponed, or replaced without the stigma of failure. This adaptability makes it easier to stay motivated and engaged over time. The thing I emphasize over and over again is that Flexibility and Adaptability are the two most important traits we can develop for personal growth.
Moreover, bucket lists encourage individuals to celebrate partial achievements. For instance, even if someone doesn’t complete their goal of visiting every continent, exploring a few new countries still represents significant progress. This incremental success fosters a sense of accomplishment and inspires further efforts, unlike resolutions that are often abandoned entirely after a single setback. Incidentally, it has taken me a while, but Antarctica is the only continent I haven’t been to yet. It’s still on the list.
Wilson’s Prom-The southern most territory on the Australian mainland.
Some of the bucket list accomplishments I have made this year include taking a surfing lesson. Going indoor skydiving. Camping on the southern tip of the Australian mainland. And my biggest one, I finished writing the book I have been working on for years. More about that to come in future posts.
I have plenty planned for this next year and the ones I don’t get around to go back on the bucket lists for year after. I like to mix my lists up so I have plenty of things that are fairly easy and can be achieved in a weekend. I mix these in with those grandiose once in a lifetime experiences. That way you have little confidence builders between those really big ones.
So this year I invite you write out a bucket list instead of a list of resolutions. While resolutions often fade into forgotten promises, a bucket list becomes a roadmap for a life well-lived, filled with purpose, adventure, and joy.
Spelunking, a term often used to describe exploring caves, might sound fancy, but it essentially means wandering around underground. Interestingly, beginners typically call this activity “spelunking,” while seasoned experts prefer the simpler term “caving.” This contrast seems like a great argument for simplicity!
Caving can involve small caves with just a couple of rooms or vast cavern systems that stretch for miles. These systems often feature tight squeezes, challenging drops that require climbing or rappelling, and even water hazards to navigate or avoid. For larger cave networks, going with a guide is highly recommended. Always let someone know your plans, and be prepared with essential gear such as helmets, headlamps, climbing equipment, and sturdy footwear. Complex cave systems can be disorienting and dangerous, increasing the risk of getting lost or injured.
Why Try Caving?
Caving is a thrilling activity that pushes many people out of their comfort zones. If you struggle with claustrophobia (fear of small spaces) or nyctophobia (fear of the dark), exploring caves can be especially challenging—and rewarding.
If technical caving feels overwhelming, start with beginner-friendly options like tourist caves. These popular attractions feature large, awe-inspiring caverns with amenities such as paved walkways, proper lighting, and handrails. These paths are designed to keep visitors safe while showcasing the beauty of the underground world.
Whether you’re looking for a heart-pounding adventure or a leisurely exploration, caving offers a unique way to connect with nature and discover the wonders hidden beneath the surface.
All pictures in this post I took in Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico.
I am typing this post because someone pointed out that I have a tendency to talk about pulse-pounding adrenaline activities. While I think it is important to push your boundaries as much as possible, I don’t think every adventure has to be razors-edge extreme to the max.
Adventure can be something as simple as a relaxing walk in the woods. I am surprised and saddened to hear about how many people don’t spend time in nature. A walk in the woods, or the bush as they say here in Australia, is extremely healthy. It benefits your body, mind, and dare I say, soul.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
Let’s look at some of the benefits of a simple walk in nature.
The most obvious, walking is good exercise
Weight loss
Relaxation & stress relief
Restored mental energy
Improved concentration
Better memory
Improved mental health
Enhanced creativity
The production of vitamin D
A boost to the immune system
An increased life span
You can get a couple of these benefits from walking just about anywhere. However, most of them come only when immersed in a natural setting. The reasons for this are many. Here are just a couple. We can pay attention to ‘soft fascinations’ like trees blowing in the wind. We can observe plants and animals in a relaxed manner. Walking in the city presents challenges. You have flashing lights and things demanding your attention. Cars might run you over if you’re not careful.
Trees and plants produce chemicals called Phytoncides. These chemicals help boost your immune system. They have even been proven to help produce natural killer cells. These cells fight diseases and can even kill cancer cells.
So, take a walk in the woods you will be glad you did.
Scuba is an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is an amazing sport that lets you explore underwater worlds teeming with life and color. Whether you’re swimming alongside vibrant coral reefs, exploring shipwrecks, or discovering marine life up close, it’s an experience like no other. Here are some points you will find interesting:
1. Thrilling Spots: Places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia offer unforgettable diving experiences. The multitude of reefs in the Caribbean also provides such experiences. Additionally, the Maldives is known for its remarkable diving opportunities. I learned to dive in Okinawa, one of the most underrated dive destinations. Okinawa is incredibly rich in coral. It is home to more than 200 of the world’s 800 or so coral species.
2. Gear: You’ll need a mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, buoyancy control device, and a tank of compressed air. Proper training and certification are essential for safe diving.
3. Marine Life: From colorful fish and corals, the underwater world offers a variety of marine life. You can also find larger creatures like sharks and dolphins. It is incredibly diverse and full of surprises.
4. Once you get your buoyancy control down, you will feel weightless. It is the closest sensation to the weightlessness of space without having to leave the atmosphere.
5. Certification: PADI and NAUI are two major organizations that offer scuba diving certifications. Taking a course ensures you understand the safety protocols and techniques needed for a safe dive.
The picture below shows my safety diver. It also shows me and my daughter, who was then 13 months old, playing itsy-bitsy-spider. This was while I was diving inside the shark tank at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
I first started flying around in helicopters as a young Marine. I even jumped out of a couple of them. I have just always loved flying in them. If you want to get to know a place, see it from the air.
Since those days I have taken a number of helicopter rides as a tourist. The last one was when we first moved to Australia. I decided to take my daughter up to see the Twelve Apostles from the air. They are located just off the Great Ocean Road a few hours’ drive from where we live.
The weather conditions of the Southern Ocean are pretty extreme. That is why the area is sometimes called the Shipwreck Coast. The Twelve Apostles are a collection of giant limestone stacks created over millions of years by waves and wind eroding the cliffs around them. They are one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and seeing them from the air is awe inspiring and humbling.
Plus taking a seven-year-old in a helicopter anywhere is an incredibly exciting adventure in itself. If you get the chance take a helicopter tour.
One of the first adventure activities you should try is a high ropes course. Public High ropes courses are popping up all over the world. There is very good chance there is one within a few hours’ drive of you.
These are structures with various challenges like balance beams, rope bridges, and tight ropes. They are usually between one and three stories high. The participants are clipped into a safety harness. If you have any fear of heights, this course will allow you to push it safely. This takes advantage of a concept in adventure called perceived risk. Because you are high up, the limbic system in your brain will tell you you’re in danger. Yet, the safety equipment makes it impossible to fall off.
One operator I talked to said approximately 1/3rd of the population suffers from a fear of heights. This has got to be one of the most fun ways to conquer a fear of heights ever. A high ropes course lets you confront both physical and mental barriers, get some exercise, and build self-confidence. When you step onto a balance beam or rope bridge three stories up, you gain confidence. You know you can take the necessary steps to face any challenge.
