I’ve never been one for adventures. I have no qualms about admitting I’m a chicken. So, when it came time to go on my first, real grown-up trip with my partner, there’s no fib in saying I was anxious and a little scared.
It was also going to be the first time I was meeting a certain brother.
Anyhoo, we were off to Newfoundland and Labrador, more specifically to Deer Lake, where the brother has his own dairy farm.
At the time, my partner and I were still finding our footing; we hadn’t been together for a year yet and we were already going on a 12-day trip to completely unfamiliar territory.
That was four years ago this summer.
Now, I have nothing but appreciation for that trip. It got me out of my shell, barely starting to try new foods (that’s when trying something new would send me into a panic attack – which occasionally still happens…), introduced me to hiking and even Viking settlements.
With that trip, and other past summer adventures in mind, I’ve come up with some activities you, dear readers, can try this summer:
- Try a new restaurant: When I go somewhere new, my one rule is to make sure I’m not going to restaurants or eating foods I can easily get back home. That means, for me anyway, not picking a pasta dish like spaghetti or alfredo for my meal (they’re my safety net).
- Take a hike (literally): Hiking trails come in all shapes, sizes and accessibilities. In Fundy, there are trails accessible for those with strollers, walkers and wheelchairs – allowing all peoples to enjoy the trail. Lace up your sneakers (the ones with good treads) and get out on the beaten, or less beaten path.
- Go shopping: *Insert groan from everyone who dreads the fact that I recommended that* OK, this may be controversial, but who here saves a little extra money for when you go on vacation so you can shop? I know I’m not alone. In this case, the kind of shopping I’m referring to is looking at and purchasing items that have been made by local artisans and craftspeople. What better way to brag about your trip than with the photos you’ve taken, the stories you’ve accumulated and that super unique item you picked up along the way?
- Try a new activity: Now this may be a not-so-shameless plug for activities to try in P.E.I., more specifically Summerside. My friend, Emma Quann, is an aerial yoga instructor. Her partner runs the local paddle shack, which supplies patrons with bikes, kiteboard lessons, kayaks, and paddle boards. Try a new activity, if you can and feel up to it. It allows you to create a new memory and maybe learn a new skill.
- Capture the moment, but don’t forget to live in it: I am so guilty for just capturing the moment and not taking the time to live in it. I guess that might be the journalist in me, trying to capture every detail in case I need it later. One thing I want to try harder at doing for the remainder of the summer is experience new - or old - things with the ones I love. Like painting a room with my dad, while singing I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles.
So, friends, while this may be a short but sweet post, I hope I’ve inspired you to try some new things this summer. Like adventure is out there, the world is your oyster, take it from this chicken!
MORE FROM MILLICENT McKAY:
- Biting off more you can chew does more damage than good
- Get outdoors for the three Rs: recharge, refresh and reset yourself
- Let’s talk productivity
- Recharge your batteries with a book
- Tales from a not-quite green thumb
- There are plenty of options for spice storage
- Must-have spices to keep in your kitchen
Millicent McKay is a modern girl with an old soul, a Summerside based journalist, a blogger, soap opera lover, tea connoisseur, and cat mom. For more check out theonewithpaigeandmillee.squarespace.com or visit her Instagram.
