The way I like to see it, the concept of improving at a skill like wilderness exploration is very similar to advancing a video game character that you may have played through in the past.
There are many ways to gain knowledge from the get-go, such as reading books, or taking courses on wilderness navigation and photography.
While those learning tools are a great education base for moving forward, the process of actually doing the activity with the mindset of leveling up is a great way to develop core skills.
This way, abilities can be slowly increased at each person’s pace.
To exercise this leveling up method, it should be started on a short adventure on a nearby popular trail, even if this trail is in a city park or your neighborhood.
This safe and well-travelled area can be used to access our base skills and fitness level.
While on this trail, attention should be given to the sounds around us. Can we hear a city street, a highway, or stream nearby?
These sounds can be used to determine our current location.
Which parts of the trail are challenging or uncomfortable?
This will help us understand if we need to work on balance, or if we just need more practice hiking on uneven terrain.
Is walking uphill a struggle?
This can be improved simply by taking the stairs more often at work.
Am I able to use my basic sense of direction to find where I am?
Sometimes this is not as easy as it seems, and it’s great to develop a practice of constantly being aware of our position during a walk.
This leveling up exercise can be started at any level, and it will allow to decide on your own what skills and abilities you will want to add to your character.
At your own pace, you can now increase the distance, speed, and elevation in which you travel, and next time, try wearing a s backpack.
Before you know it, your skills will improve as you systematically level up your character!
Things to remember:
-Don’t try to do too much too soon.
-Take a course or read books on wilderness navigation, in addition to the physical portion of getting out on the trail.
-Slowly increase distance and elevation over time, but start small!
-Find a map of the area, even if it’s a photo of a posted trailhead map, and begin using this to follow along with it as you are traveling.
Have fun out there!
My Latest Posts
• • •
- The Benefits of a Photography Skills RebootRecently, I have been feeling that photography has become too structured and systematic for me. While this may sound good on paper, recently I had found myself longing for the … Continue reading The Benefits of a Photography Skills Reboot
• • •
Create Photography Expeditions! 