My Outdoor Adventure Blog: Introducing Out and Across

Have you ever tried something new? Of course you have. You know it’s not always easy; especially if it’s a totally new undertaking. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or starting an outdoor adventure blog, it takes courage to try new things.

I’ve been considering this outdoor adventure blog for years now. To be honest, I’ve started and restarted various blogs several times, but never quite had the guts to hit “publish”. Maybe I didn’t really know what to write about? I was also afraid to fail. Blogging is new territory and I don’t know if I’ll be any good at it. Will I love it? How will I stick with it? What if others don’t like it? Will it just royally suck? Who knows? But I’m gunna give it a go!

But Why Start a Blog?

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My life drastically changed this last year.

Back in December, I left my senior leadership role at an international nonprofit (MCC) and then…. BANG! Global pandemic. I was hoping to quickly find something new after a much-needed break. That didn’t quite work out. You know how that goes….

COVID-19 made the job search really difficult. When I wasn’t writing resumes and cover letters, I poured myself into things that I love: Netflix and wine. Kidding (sorta…). I also started designing and creating this blog, sharing photos on Instagram, and dreaming up what Out and Across could become. And, when I needed a break, I did enjoy several episodes of The Office while sipping Merlot.

I’m not one of those if-you-didn’t-do-something-super-productive-during-quarantine-then-you’re-an-unmotivated-sloth kind of people. We all lead different lives. Some of us didn’t get any “extra” time during the pandemic. But, for me, being home meant time and space to explore my passions. I also grew a COVID beard and I think I rocked it (If I didn’t, please don’t tell me otherwise. I like believing I once looked like Jason Momoa in Frontier…).

Starting this outdoor adventure travel blog has been a new challenge and a somewhat therapeutic process. I don’t know about you, but I like to have things on the go. Planning and dreaming breaths life into my lungs. This creative outlet helps motivate me to do more of what I love. That’s reason enough to do it, right?

Oh, I’ve also recently started a new position with an international water charity. That feels good, too!

Starting an Outdoor Adventure Blog

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All of the “How to Start a Blog” blog posts I’ve read boil down to one thing: passion. If you’re going to pour hours of time and energy into creating a blog, and hopefully have others read it, then passion and enthusiasm for the topic needs to be there.

I think the world would be a better place if we all adventured more. As American novelist Jack Kerouac said, “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” Adventure is one of my core values. The world is better when we’re connected to nature and to different people and places. That’s what I want to encourage. Out and Across is all about travel and outdoor adventures.

I hope this project stirs up your inner adventurer and curious spirit. Anyone can adventure, and maybe my experience will be helpful for you. But, so you know, I’m not an adventure expert. I’m just an ordinary guy with the desire and drive to explore.

Making The Most of Life

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Have you seen the new Netflix series Win the Wilderness? In 1986, Duane Ose trekked into the Alaskan interior to become the last homesteader in the United States. It’s now time for Duane and his wife, Rena, to leave behind their beloved home. They host a competition with six couples from the United Kingdom to see who will become the new residents on Ose Mountain.

Duane says that many people express “I wish I had”… but he can say “I did”.

When I’m old and gray, I’ll hopefully look back on this blog and remember what it was like to camp here and travel there. I want to be able to say “I did”. Don’t we all? At the very least, this blog will serve as my memory when I start forgetting places and faces. I look forward to reliving it all.

Welcome to Out and Across. Here we go!

Thanks for reading. I’d love to hear from you if you’d like to see posts about specific outdoor and travel-related things. Feel free to reach out.

Thomas Coldwell

Thomas Coldwell is an avid outdoor enthusiast and creator of Out and Across. Originally from Nova Scotia, he has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and travelled in 17 countries and counting. While his career with an international nonprofit keeps him busy, Thomas enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources from first-hand experiences. Thomas can often be found hiking, backpacking, paddling, camping, or travelling.

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