Whew, these past few weeks here on Country Wife Chronicles have been a bit heavy, haven’t they?

First, there was grappling with my recent endometriosis diagnosis. Then, last week was Infertility Awareness Week, so I decided to put my brave face on and open up about Wildland Man and I’s struggle to have a baby.

This week, it is time for a change of pace.

Now, this is not to say that endometriosis / infertility is taking up any less headspace for me; I’m really just in need of a bit of an emotional break for the moment.

So, we are going to pick up where we left off on our seasonal “Enjoying the Great Outdoors” bucket list blog posts!

Before we get started, I’d like to take a minute to welcome new followers that have found CWC via the infertility connection we may now share. I’m grateful to have found a community of infertility and endo warriors over the past few months and I’m pleased to have some of you along for the ride over here at Country Wife Chronicles. 

What you may not know is that my blog is not technically in the infertility or health niche. That just kinda happened as life unfolded for Wildland Man and I this past year.

What Country Wife Chronicles is typically about is the enjoyment of a rural lifestyle, slowing down and being still, and living out life as a wildland firefighter wife. Of course I like to throw in a recipe now and again and generally just share my heart here on these pages. Please feel free to look around a bit to get a better feel for where I’m coming from in my writing.

I’m certain we are not done with the infertility conversation here on CWC. I just need a little space to breathe.

So, now that spring finally feels like it is here with sunshine and showers and new life springing up everywhere, it feels right to talk about getting outside to enjoy this gorgeous weather.

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Spring always gets me thinking about nature and the great outdoors. You see, back when I was a teacher of environmental science, spring was my jam. We celebrated Earth Day, we wrapped up major class projects that focused on protecting the environment, we got outside any chance we could, and we put a ton of effort into a local water conservation festival.

Then, in my short stint as a conservation education coordinator for a state agency spring was all about school gardening projects and outdoor expos. Spring was simply about getting outside in the beautiful weather and appreciating the natural environment around us.

And that is exactly what I’m hoping you’ll do with some of the ideas I’m sharing with you today—get outside and explore those great outdoors!

Ten Great Ideas for Spring Exploration

1. 1) Go on a Silent Retreat: Spring is about renewal. Take one look around you outside and you’ll see new growth, new life, everywhere. From baby calves to new buds on trees, new beginnings are all around. Spring is a wonderful time to start anew in your own life. To take a moment to hit the refresh button on life and get away for a weekend on a silent retreat. The true idea behind a silent retreat is to get away, to unplug, and to focus on intensive meditation practices for an allotted time away in a beautiful, nature-inspired retreat. For me, a silent retreat is getting away from all the distractions of life and structuring a getaway that is less about seeing the sites and more about sitting in silence and quieting my heart. It’s about connecting in my faith in a deeper way by creating space in my life to just be still.
2. 2) Get in the Garden: If you have a green thumb, you are sure to love spring and the gardening joys it brings. But even if gardening isn’t your thing, maybe you can take a chance this spring and spend some time in the garden. If you are completely new to the idea, check out my post on growing herbs for newbies. Trust me, if I can do this, you can. And if you aren’t sure where to start and why it’s even worth giving gardening a chance, check out my article about instilling a love for the environment through the act of gardening with children. This spring might just be the perfect time to try something new!
3. 3) Celebrate Earth: Pick up litter as a family. Visit a wildlife sanctuary or zoo to learn about wildlife conservation. Find a local expo or outdoors event for the whole family to enjoy. Trust me, as a former teacher and conservation educator, spring is the time of year that all of these events are happening. Find an event in your area and check it out. You’ll be sure to find some fun activities and freebies to boot, I’m sure!
4. 4) Try Out Geocaching: Have you ever tried your hand at geocaching? It’s like a real life treasure hunt outdoors. The idea is to use GPS coordinates to find hidden objects…all over the world! I’m serious; I bet you’d be surprised to find out just how many geocache locations exist in your area right now. It’s hide-n-seek for the whole family to enjoy! If you want to get started geocaching, I highly recommend checking out REI’s informational page or the global geocaching website for more info.
5. 5) Take in Spring Beauty: What is spring known for in your neck of the woods? Do you have rolling hills of wildflowers in bloom? Does your area get a unique mix of migrating birds during this time of year? Do you have an opportunity to watch a species, like the prairie chicken or sandhill crane, show off for their mates during this season? Does a nearby national park offer views of baby wildlife like elk or bears? Check out your local and regional options for taking in the beauty of spring in your state.
6. 6) Get Out on the Water: Spring marks the end of winter, and as the ice finally starts to thaw and the snowstorms become fewer and further between, the itch to get out on the water arises. Grab your gear and go fishing. Take the family out on the boat for the day. Have you ever tried sailing? Or kayaking? What about paddle-boarding? Of course, these water adventures are dependent on climate and geographical conditions, so check your weather and find out where the fish are biting near you!
7. 7) Go Fly a Kite: As winds pick up in most parts of the country during this time of the year, you’ll find yourself in perfect kite-flying weather! And you don’t need much to get into flying kites. You can pick up a kite at a local store or get extravagant with some online options; there’s literally a kite to fit every budget out there. Then, just head outdoors where you can get a little space from obstacles and test the winds with your new kite! Of course, if you are a kite-flying newbie, you may want to stay at the lower end of the budget when it comes to kites. You don’t want the string to slip through your fingers with a big gust and watch as your pricey investment takes off with the breeze!
8. 8) Give Birding a Try: I’m sure I’ve mentioned birding as a wonderful outdoor activity before, but spring offers the perfect time to up the ante in your birding game. Take things up a notch by learning the songs of birds so that you can identify species by sight and sound. Birds are especially vocal in the spring with their mating seasons so it’s a great time to sit outside and just listen to the chirps and songs of a variety of bird species.
9. 9) Hit the Trails: Do you have a cycling trail near you? Have you ever tried trail running? Does a nearby refuge offer a scenic nature trail? See what your area has to offer and get outside in nature and be active. It’s time to drop the treadmill you’ve been walking on all winter and get outside! Hike, walk, run, cycle. Whatever you choose is a win-win, with physical activity and nature views, you are sure to boost your spirits and nourish your soul in the process!
10. 10) Go Horseback Riding: As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, spring is the perfect time to get out and go for a ride. If you don’t have a horse or know someone that does, check out local horse stables that may offer classes and riding opportunities. Trail rides are often offered at state and national forests as well. A simple online search should lead you in the right direction if horse riding is something you think you want to try this spring. 

Be sure to take all the necessary precautions when it comes to being outdoors in the springtime. Slather on the sunscreen. Don’t forget the bug spray. And check for ticks after a long day out in the thick of nature.

Always be aware of your natural surroundings and be observant for all the creatures that are moving about as spring awakens them. There could be a snake underfoot when you are looking up for birds…or a bear looming about after hibernation just around the corner on the hiking trail.

I don’t want to scare you away from getting outside, but I do want to remind you that being outside is about being present in the moment. Don’t be distracted by your cell phone or so one-track minded on your activity of choice that you forget to notice the nature around you!

What’s On Your Bucket List?

Well, what do you think? Do any of these ideas inspire to you?

I have to admit the one I’m feeling the most this year is a silent retreat. I’ve already talked to Wildland Man about it. After all we’ve been through these last few months an outdoorsy getaway from all the clutter and distraction of my life sounds pretty darn good at the moment.  

I think I’m going to go do some research on destinations and then attempt to find an opening between Wildland Man’s details to fit something in soon. Some much needed, nature-inspired R&R might be just what the doctor ordered!

Start the conversation by commenting below:

• What does spring signify for you?

• What do you look forward to most every year?

• What’s on your bucket list this spring?

Whatever it is, I hope that you take a minute to just enjoy the great outdoors this spring! And if you are up for the challenge, print out this Spring Bucket List and see what you can check off before summer!

Let’s welcome spring and celebrate this season of hope and renewal together!

Be Still & Know…