Trying to describe the "Ideal" adventure usually starts off as an out-of-reach, mythical place that only exists in our inner soul. 

Challenging, unpredictable, breathtaking, and wild - all seem to come to mind as 'requirements' or 'ingredients'. 

My mind always drifts towards the crazy, like the Darian Gap, the Dakar rally, Everest, Trans-Siberian Highway, Pan-American, el-Cap, and so on. 

Those un-tame, wildly places - tempting us with their views and immense challenge.  

As I look back on some of my most incredible adventures, and plan for the one's still left undone.

I always seem to center on a 'dual purpose' approach. A multi-faceted adventure, one that tries to cram every ounce of possibility into every second of time.

I do this unknowingly.

Every epic adventure I have been on, always has something that I'm 'doing' along the way. 

Mostly because the 'doing' usually gets you to the spot that is the most wild, the most natural, the most raw - and so it feels very primal and freeing when you're that connected with the wild. 

It's never just camping, or just surfing, or just hiking. 

It's camping on a wild forgotten beach to catch virgin barrels.

It's hiking through a jungle to climb a crag half covered in monkeys.

Or a mountain covered in glacial ice - waiting patiently for my arrival. Dare I challenge its might and strength. 

Or a winding river journey that encompasses the skills of navigation and wild camps to make it from point A to a far off point B.

Or an off-road trail that takes you back to a 10,000 acre playground, filled with spires, caves, and ancient markings. 

Participating with a moment seems to encompass this 'Ideal' adventure (at least for me). 

You're not just witnessing a moment, you're part of the moment, you're making the moment happen. 

Experiencing by doing, enjoying by being.

It breathes life into your soul and awakens an inner being that has forgotten how to let go. 

How to forget about everything else... Except for the one thing staring back at you. 

The rock, the trail, the white water, the mountain - in these moments we remember why we're here and where we're going.