Researching this strange occurrence, I found a survey by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and their findings revealed that the numbers of new outdoor participants were off the charts. Stats showed most of them were women (58%), a majority were young (18 - 49 years), and a lot of them came from urban/suburban areas. 

OIA’s study drew their conclusions from a comparison of new participants (first timers

or who hadn’t participated in any activity for more than a year) and existing outdoor participants. Reasons for increases in outdoor participation included getting out of the house, keeping healthy and getting exercise. Most new participants found outdoor opportunities close to home and activities with easy entries like running, walking/hiking and biking. Only twenty- five percent of them said they would discontinue their outdoor activities when things were back to normal. 

So why would they want to discontinue outdoor activities? As an existing participant, its hard to fathom why someone forgoes the great outdoors with fresh air and beautiful scenery — not to mention major health benefits. What it comes down to, they revealed, was that many new participants have stated that they lacked information on where to go, how to and with whom to participate. So, they would rather spend time at home watching TV or in front of a computer screen. 

binge-watch the latest Netflix series, I want to get out as much as I can. To see America through a windshield instead of on a screen. I want my own interpretation of the great outdoors by foot, bike and kayak. This year I learned how fast parts of your life can vanish in an instant. One minute someone is there and the next minute, they’re gone. Life is fleeting. We are already more than half-way through this year so take it all in now because tomorrow might not be soon enough. 

This month I am planning a road trip that includes tons of camping, biking and kayaking. My plan is to take backroads and visit out-of- the-way places. Places I have never seen before and with lots of spontaneity — going with the flow. Because there are always places in-between where you start and where you’re stop, I’ll bring a trusty map so I can see the big picture
(I feel safer with a paper map that won’t need re-charging when I’m out in the boonies). Who knows the places I’ll see? Every place has its own beauty — forests, lakes, oceans and rivers. From the tallest mountain peaks to the bottom of desert canyons and everything in-between — are there for me to discover. The Great American Road Trip is alive and well, so turn off the TV and put away your computers — hitting the road is our American right of passage.