Gina's Adventure Box

Someone Promised Summer: Checking and Unchecking the Adventure List

By Gina Knudson, 6-16-11

	In the event it is sunny over Salmon when you read this, know that it is a fluke.

Again with the clouds? This morning they are dark gray and droopy, pregnant with the rain that they will no doubt bear upon the already soggy ground.

I spent May being grateful for the rain. Rain is good, rain is life-giving… I know. But so is sunshine and I’m ready for it. I grew up in the high desert of Idaho’s Snake River Plains and a lot of my formative years were drought-plagued. As a result, I cancel nearly anything on account of rain.

But I’m trying to shape up. I hate the idea of what’s her name—La Nina—boot-kicking me into a sniveling heap.

I assess my summer list.

I’ll tear up my new favorite single track if I try to mountain bike in these sloppy conditions. Uncheck.

Paddling through town on the Salmon River in our inflatable kayaks seems ill-advised at flood stage. Uncheck.

My son and I pledged to conquer the Continental Divide Trail piece by piece. He’s a sturdy young lad, but I fear the 6 feet of snow on this closest section of the CDT might break his spirit. Uncheck. (The option of catching the trail in New Mexico moves to Desperation Plan B, to be hatched in the event the drizzle continues much longer.)

I’m left with packing the Adventure Box. The Adventure Box is a mythical creature that is referenced, although absent, on most of my outdoor adventures. The Adventure Box, theoretically, would be stationed in one’s automobile at all times, creating a situation of constant readiness for impulsive adventure.

The Adventure Box would include common remedies to unforeseen circumstances arising from impulsive adventures, such as: hunger, thirst, bleeding, cold. and disorientation.

And maybe even RAIN.

Next: Behold the Adventure Box

Gina Knudson writes from Salmon, Idaho, where she is currently shopping for an umbrella.

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