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Do you like type 1, 2, or 3 fun?
Hello friends,
* Written several weeks ago, but I'm just now getting a chance to share.
We are four days post-hike through the Andes mountains on the Inka Trail in Peru to Machu Picchu with a fantastic group of humans through our company WorldTowning. My legs feel like jello, I am unnaturally tired, and 20-minute disco naps have become almost daily. It could be because I am waking at 5 a.m. and jumping states as soon as my feet hit the ground, or I could have gotten used to the guide's 4:30 a.m. wake-up call on the Inka trail, and I want to keep the trail alive in me…who knows, but I am still thinking about the trail and the adventure. It was magical.
This was our second time hiking to 13,828 ft, but the last time was eight years ago when we were a bit younger and living at 9,350 ft in Quito, Ecuador, so acclimatizing was much more fluid in those first two days of touching down. We also did it a bit differently this time, making it a group trip rather than just a family trip. We smartened up and did not do it in the rainiest and coldest month…December, but instead hit it at the end of the rainy season, phew. And although we still got our fair share of rain, it was not nearly as cold. Actually, if I think about it, I believe we referred to our rain gear and fleece as snuggly while hiking in Peru and breathing like crazy rabid dogs. I hope I can carry this sentiment with me on the Appalachian Trail.
This was not Type 1 fun by most people’s standards, although one guest said it was Type 1 and 2. Some might say it was even Type 3; it was hard! It was disappointing for those who could not do the entire hike. It sucks when you set a goal, and you can’t accomplish it; it pretty much tarnishes the whole experience or lights a fire to revisit the experience and conquer it so it can climb up that Type ladder.
So what are these types of fun I keep referring to?
Type 1:
Enjoyable while it is happening.
Type 2:
It isn't perfect while happening, but it is fun retrospectively. It often starts with the best intentions but then gets carried away. This was our Guatemala volcano hike for me.
Type 3:
It was not fun at all, not even in retrospect. Afterward, you think, “What the hell was I thinking?” Thankfully, I can’t think of anything in this category. I can think of a few experiences about 2.5, and Will talked me off that ledge.
Whether it is Type 1, 2, or 3 fun, you always have a story to tell and another memory for the books. Looking back on our lives, I want a combination of Type 1 and 2s and maybe just a handful of 3s from my younger and wilder years.
In the end, it is all about positivity. Honoring our emotions when things get shitty but understanding that we will survive and have a great story to tell.
For the record, the Appalachian Trail thru-hike is currently type 1.5 for me. Some days, it is really hard, and I know life can be easier, but it is such a magical experience that I could never give it up for those one-off bad days, which usually involve rain, cold, or getting too stinky.
So, let’s share. What have you done that is type 1, 2, or even 3 fun? What would you do again, and what do you wish you had never done? I am so into talking about big adventures, hence our current situation. Have you watched any good documentaries about extreme adventures? Read some good books? Do share in the comments.
Thank you for being here and for your engagement in the comments. Largo and I are off the trail for 36 hours to work and school. I look forward to this time to reconnect with all of you, including your comments, emails, etc. Have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo,
Jess
YouTube Premiere- Are we Ready?
We have not PREMIERED a vlog in a long time, but this one feels extra special as we kick off our Appalachian Trail extravaganza. So join us (hopefully Largo and I, if Wi-Fi in the mountains permits, but Will for sure) as we share our first daily vlog with our YouTube community. Bring your coffee, margaritas, and cheese (wink) this Sunday, April 14th, at 12 PM EST to watch it live with us. We are so darn excited about this series; we hope you are as well.
Dungeons & Dragons Sign ups!
NEW CLUBS START TOMORROW with a discount!
Our current openings are as follows:
For ages 8-12:
Friday 12th, 4:00-6:00 pm EST; this session is DISCOUNTED to $50 per session
OR
Saturday 13th, 8:00-10:00am EST
For ages 13-17:
Friday 12th, 6:00-8:00 pm EST
Hello Everyone,
A new world has been discovered as I start my next campaign. This brand-new setting will feature unique locations, a beautiful story, and incredible new opportunities. Now is your chance to get in before the world begins! Have epic battles, solve complex puzzles, and have fun in this new world! So sign up now to avoid missing out on this beautiful story’s engaging first part!
With a wide range of ages 8-12 to 14-17 on this ten-week extravaganza, the adventure will introduce new characters, challenges, and storylines.
If you are interested, please get in touch with Largo at info@dicethrowers.com for further details. The cost per 10-week session is $75 USD unless noted as a discount.
Podcast - Our Life Updates, AT Trail, Bear Horn Mishap, Boat Life, Quitting Full-Time Travel and More
In this week's podcast, we give you a full life update. I am not going to share anything in this text because you need to hear this in our voice, speaking about all of the above together. We hope you enjoy the podcast and welcome your comments and ratings wherever you listen to your podcasts. This helps us tremendously. Thank you.
To learn more about us, our mission, and our business, you can visit us at WorldTowning. To view our most recent group trip offerings, head over to WorldTowningvoyages.com. If you want to book a coaching session to realize your travel dream, schedule it here. If you're going to follow the travels of our WorldTowning family, you can find us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, The Why Matters Podcast.
I just finished reading Life Lived Wild by Rick Ridgeway. So good and so many mentions of other amazing books to read (most that I read ages ago but may revisit). So many great adventure/exploration books out there. ❤️
Currently experiencing some Type 1.5 fun on the first stretch of the Camino del Norte between San Sebastian and Bilbao! This walk is more challenging than the Frances, with some steep ups and steep downs - but I enjoy it at the end of the day when I take my boots and socks off!!