This sentiment is one I learnt, one way or another, as I grew up and made my way in the world: whilst I may have had dreams to become a modern-day mountain man, it just would have to start with a few smaller steps. It's the same discussion held in many business management and self-improvement classes, and is a VERY true and sensible approach.
During the last few months' travel and social restrictions, in the absence of big adventures, we at TrexExplore have been practicing small!
I and the team have had a various chats about the best "first steps" back into camping in the British wilds, as nationally we transition to a more flexible management of the Covid-19 virus. We will return, with small groups, to camping grounds which are more open - with more space, and with the intention of encouraging more self-catering field-style (rather than the much-loved pub dinner, but fingers are crossed too!). ....We are still watching carefully all our favourite spots and UK Governments' guidance!
We are, naturally, very keen to be out for days on the mountains and moors, but are slightly hampered by geography and reasonable logistics in one day's travel. The local woodlands, fields and foothills have taken pride of place - i.e. smaller scale excursions.
Since March, at home with a young family, I've honestly found that the enforcement of "stay local" has made me focus better on the great countryside and wildlife within a few miles of our own home. I believe I've reverted to the happily-naiive adventures of the 1950s! I have encouraged my youngsters to look out the first wild strawberries (and possibly raspberries), to keep a check on the progress of the hazel trees (we're determined to beat the squirrels to the nuts this year) and to enjoy what edible treats we can obtain as the seasons have changed (homemade elderflower cordial!). We've done this whilst also playing hide and seek amongst tall grass meadows, playing with DIY-dams in streams and building (of course) epic woodland dens ("I'll just find one more long branch"!).
This has all been good particularly for honing observational and tracking skills. I've come to realise that whilst larger trips with days' hikes are great (and do include some forraging and good moments of pause), there is less meandering than when out with young children - it is a good thing to meander at a slow pace, and to see what's amongst the vegetation.
Time at home by no means halts outdoor activites and craftsmanship either - a tent in the back garden has still given a refreshing break, as well as a perfect chance to test out different techniques. Firelighting has been practiced significantly (fire-steel and bow-drill) and potential arrangements for different overnight backpacking kit have been tested!
If you have no "special" camping kit, we can recommend trying natural navigation skills (which way is North, based on the sun/stars/trees?) or even campfire cooking (can you light a basic wood-based BBQ using only bits you've collected? Then enjoy some marshmallows!).
In a sense, I've been enjoying the challenge of being more self-reliant and creative outdoors: it has indeed honed wild skills (which in turn we can pass on to you!). There is also the background reminder to go and explore, to see what outdoor space we have nearby (large or small) - it is all there, carrying on, never far away!
...And also the reminder to keep trying things and to keep it fun. For me, the reminder to enjoy taking photos of small plastic dinosaurs, whereever your outdoor space is!
We'll update with news of planned trips, as soon as we can.
Dino-Master