Work-Life-Outdoors Balance

So she's a drop-out; its a big 4×4; and we know what "fried chicken on the trail" is code for. ;)

..don't forget the gun rack! ;)

I agree with everything you say here (there), and want to add: location, location, location. I am not where I want to be in my life right now, geographicaly speaking, and it's a larger constraint on my getting-out-there than anything else right now. Too much money and too much time to drive too far for too little wilderness means I often choose just to stay home. It chafes. I've set a priority on living somewhere else, soon.

Being prepared and planning ahead will maximize your trail days. Work, family obligations, home maintenance, weather, health issues and unforeseen calamities will eat into the available days. Things have really changed since my children have grown. I'm fortunate in being close to prime hiking areas, so day hikes are easy and I can be more spontaneous. It really helps to have my gear organized and ready, as well as a home library with a good selection of maps and guide books. Online resources are also a good help in researching trails and conditions before heading out.

It's too easy to have a weekend morning slide by and become a missed opportunity. Getting to bed at a reasonable time on Friday night and rising early Saturday morning with a destination planned will help insure that a hike will happen. My day pack is loaded with all my essentials and ready to go. All I need to add are maps, water, snacks, and a clothing tweak for the weather expected.

And not to mention a podcast.

My job is deemed essential so I still have to show up to work even though I'm not being paid. Normally I wouldn't care since I'm only in it for the glory but it sucks that I can't take advantage of the shutdown to get some backpacking in.