ADVENTURE THERAPY

My husband and I took a slow journey through Montana and Wyoming.  It was 100% adventure.  Mountains and geysers, steaming vents and mud pots.  Bison everywhere.  The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We hiked in the snow.  We rafted on the Snake River in Montana and the Flathead in Wyoming.  For a short time, we lived in this other world, the world of the adventurous. 

Rafting on the Snake River

 Geysers in Yellowstone

Although our National Park adventures were years in the planning, adventures don't have to be far from home or cost a lot of money.  Once we got a taste for rafting we located the Nantahala Outdoor Center (noc.com) just a few hours from home.  In summer you can go whitewater rafting on the French Broad and cool off with backwards flops into the water.  So much fun.

Our granddaughter's Scout leader took the troop to a local ropes course for a day of adventure.  The girls were fearless.  They put so much effort into their climbing.

Even closer to home we spend many Saturdays enjoying the alpaca and farm animals at our local Museum of Life and Science.  And the rescue bears and wolves, all well-provided for with large natural habitats. (lifeandscience.org) Doesn't the alpaca look majestic (and just a little silly with that mop of hair on top)?

There's not so much exercise involved in these "watching adventures" but they are still good for the mind and heart.  And in that way these animals are providing both inspiration and therapy.  I know there are controversies surrounding wildlife watching, balancing what is good for the planet, the animal and us humans.  

So many people today seem dedicated to making things better.  One example is the Duke Lemur Center, an 85-acre sanctuary for these rare and endangered prosimian primates (lemur.duke.edu). Doesn't this lemur look totally engaged?  The Lemur Center rotates cage-free time among the animals, giving them the run of the acreage and trees.

Finally, a good old-fashioned treehouse provides adventure for kids and grown-ups alike.  A place to read, hide out, imagine, play games, draw, daydream and line with sleeping bags for a starry night in the woods.   

What adventures are you in the mood for this weekend?  What are your personal favorites? I am so grateful when we can make time for some. 

                                                                                 Nina Naomi