When Nature and Circumstances Throw You a Curveball: Navigating Outdoor/Travel Mishaps with Your Family and Keeping Your Sanity.

Hello Trekkers,

As much as I try and plan and prepare for the perfect family outing or travel experience, the unpredictable nature of... well, nature and travel, combined with the quirks of family dynamics, means things don't always go according to plan. My idea of a perfect experience suddenly and unexpectedly goes up in smoke. Fear not! Here's how you turn those unexpected moments into memorable (and often laughable) family stories. Not every adventure will be a perfect sunrise near the Grand Canyon!

One of the things that I constantly remind myself and my family is, that outings and travel are sometimes a struggle and things don’t always go perfectly. I remind them that we cannot control everything that happens, but we can control how we react to them. That being said, I always have a backup plan to get us through these unexpected hiccups.

Here are a few tips on how to handle these “unexpected” situations and make the best of them.

1. Embrace the Unexpected

First and foremost, remember that the goal is to bond and create memories. Those picture-perfect moments on social media? They rarely tell the whole story. It's the unplanned moments that often make for the best tales around the dinner table and when sharing your experiences with friends and family after the trip.

One example of this is, that me and my two boys terrorized (maybe not the best wording) an airport overseas with a mini soccer ball. We had a great time (the people sitting around us…not so much) kicking and throwing this ball in a less populated area of the airport. It made a dreadful layover tolerable, and every time we travel we make sure we have a ball with us to pass, or kick the time.

2. Weather Woes: Rain, Wind, and Sun, Oh My!

Caught in the Rain? Instead of grumbling, turn it into a game. See who can catch the most raindrops, or just dance and splash in puddles. Always pack a lightweight rain poncho or rain jacket just in case.

The weather is going to change on you, but if you are expecting rainy conditions then bring some rain boots, a change of clothes, and let the kids get muddy. I always keep a couple of towels and a spare blanket for this very reason. Especially when the kids were little.

Unexpected Chill or Heat: Layering is key. Always have an extra fleece or hat, and in summer, ensure you've got hats, sunscreen, shade, and plenty of water. Remember, it's easier to take layers off than wish you had brought more.

3. Forgotten Items? Improvise!

Forgot the sandwiches or snacks? It might be time to head to a local eatery that you have wanted to try for an after-hike snack or grab some snacks to go and then hit the trail. Missing a ball for play? Rock collecting is a legit hobby and it's fun to find them and throw them safely in to the water. Maybe it's time for a game of charades or 'I Spy.' It is always fun to make up a wild story together. An easy way to do this, is to take turns making up the next line. Before you know it, you will have a wild tale that everyone helped create.

4. Lost Your Way? Turn It into a Treasure Hunt

If you've wandered off the trail (and it's safe to do so), make it an adventure. Kids can look out for specific landmarks or clues to find your way back. But remember, always have a map, compass, or GPS device handy. This is a great opportunity to have the kids try and find out where you are on the map and then find your way home. Remind them to keep their wits about them and they will be able to figure it out.

5. Tech Mishaps: Dead Batteries and No Signal Zones

Perhaps your phone dies, or you venture into a no-signal zone. Take a deep breath and appreciate the tech-free time. It's a chance to truly immerse yourself in nature and focus on your family. This is a great point. I try and limit my time on Tech while I am with the family. Use this time to “detox” from these electronic items.

6. Grumpy Kids (or undeniably the worst…GRUMPY DAD!): Handling Meltdowns

Stay Calm: Take a break, have a snack, and hydrate.

Empathize and Listen: Maybe they're tired, hungry, or just overwhelmed. A little understanding goes a long way. Maybe Dad needs to remember that not everything will go as planned, he (we) cannot control everything and to just control how we react to these situations.

Have a Plan B: Maybe a restful moment at a scenic spot or a change of activity can turn moods around. It always helps to sit and rest your feet for a minute. The kids can explore the area and you can get back to your adventure.

7. Wildlife Surprises

Stumbling upon wildlife can be thrilling but also scary if you are not knowledgeable or aware of the wildlife in your area. They may look cute, but remember to remind everyone that they are wild animals. Always keep a safe distance, avoid feeding them, and appreciate the beauty from afar. Familiarize yourself with the local wildlife and how to handle encounters. Use this opportunity to identify the animal and talk about their lifestyle and habitat.

Once on a hike, we stumbled upon a mama hog and her little piggies. My boys wanted to get a little closer and I educated them on the fact that parents of animals can get aggressive if they are near their babies. I also told them we are in the animal's home and we need to respect them and their space. The boys understood and we kept our distance and did our best to be quiet and watch. We observed the hogs safely for approximately 10 minutes before some other hikers were making tons of noise and scared them off. This was a great teaching moment for my boys on how to act while in nature.

8. Wrapping Up: The Adventure is What You Make It

Outdoor/travel family adventures are as much about the journey (or the struggle) as the destination. Unexpected twists and circumstances can sometimes be blessings in disguise, leading to new discoveries, deeper family connections and memories that you will remember for the rest of your lives.

So, the next time nature or your travel adventure throws a curveball your way, remember: it's all part of the adventure. And who knows? That "disastrous" day might just become a cherished family memory.

As always.

IS EVERYBODY READY…..TREK ON!