Greetings Fellow Adventurers

Six Topics

Topic 1 of 6

Four observations about work-life balance and vacation

I am a big fan of vacations, especially ones that involve new activities and novel challenges. But many people have a complicated relationship with vacations and the process of recharging their batteries.

Here are some random facts: First, Americans left 768 million days of vacation unused in 2019. More than 55% of people did not use all their vacation days. Second, 2020 was a record year for feeling stress at work. Third, experts agree that vacations are important to recharge, experience new things, and step out of the ordinary routines of life. These, in combination, can help lower workplace stress and enhance a positive mindset. And fourth, people who take an active role in thinking about and planning vacation time, take more vacations and get more out of them. Indeed, one of the greatest benefits of vacation is the planning process and reflecting on the adventure after they are over. Even better ... we benefit from having memories of being on vacation with friends and family.

Get the most out of your vacations

Topic 2 of 6

Seven steps for a great time on our Georgetown CO 14er trip.

1. Carbo load (There actually is science on the planned eating process prior to a big hike).

2. On the trail (The round trip hiking distance to Grays Peak and back to the Trailhead was 7.5 miles with 3,000+ feet of elevation gain. Prepare yourself for some rocks)

3. Break for oxygen and snacks (Break times are also a good time to share encouragement, check your hiking poles, and stay hydrated)

4. Celebrate getting to the summit (Grays Peak is over 14,000 feet so the views of other Colorado peaks are amazing)

5. It can be chilly and windy on the summit (eat lunch in the safety of rock wind breaks - by the way .... where are the Pringles)

6. Get back to VRBO and relax in the hot tub (and maybe a beverage)

7. Enjoy Dr Reed's world famous Lasagna for dinner and Alyssa's Breakfast of Adventurers the next morning.

Topic 3 of 6

Six reasons why you might start hiking in parks now.

1. The temperatures are mild

2. The fall colors are amazing

3. Few insects

4. Most trails are in the best condition of the year

5. Walking in nature has all sorts of positive benefits (this is true any time of the year)

6. By starting the walking/hiking tradition now you can create the flywheel to carry it through the winter months.

    

If you are in the STL area, join Helga and Chris on October 1st for a trek at Rockwood Reservation. Details and rsvp.

If you are not in the STL, consider organizing a hike in your locality. Lets see if we can get 3 or 4 hikers in different locations that day.

Topic 4 of 6

Ten Upcoming Events - Info and RSVP

• Hike in Rockwood Reservation at 9:30 AM 10/1/22

• Member meeting: Updates and 2023 trip planning at 5 - 6 pm 10/5/22

• Trips being planned for 2023: Signal Mountain TN (planned by Frans); Innsbrook Resort (planned by Susan and Sarah); Mt Rainier (planned by Ashton); Ski/snowshoe trip (planned by Ashton and Michael); 14er trip to Colorado (Planned by Alyssa, Anand, and Bill); Grand Canyon Camping trip (planned by Nick and Ron); Life and Adventure Talks by Karen Dodson, Jason Carter, and many more.

  See you then.

Topic 5 of 6

Member Highlight: Ashton's tips on Work-Life harmony.

Ashton writes: Fueling your tank is different than charging yourself. Learning to break what I called the never-ending stress trap allowed me to add balance to my life and health. Most importantly what are we without our health? I am able to incorporate work, life, balance and adventure into my daily life through following these rules: 1. Identifying my limitations & setting boundaries; 2. Being intentional & decisive; 3. Accepting that perfect balance is elusive; 4. Recognizing when cross-contamination is occurring; 5. Pursuing that which makes you happy at work and play. For me, I incorporate adventure in my life whether that be caring for my plants or preparing for my next activity. Following these rules has allowed me to maintain my version of work, life, balance, and most importantly ADVENTURES.  

Photos above show Ashton's mentality of "work hard - adventure boldy."

See Ashton's Linkedin page here and her MAC prolife here. Note that the three words she uses to describe herself include Adventurous, Perspicacious, Tenacious

Topic 6 of 6

Life lessons from one of the best commencement speeches

There are two great bookends of the academic school year. One is the first week of the semester when students come back on campus. At that point, everyone is an A student and the possibilities are endless. The other bookend is the commencement speech that permits the possibility of sending students off with a sense of purpose and motivation.

I have a tradition of listening to David Foster Wallace's speech titled "This is Water" both at the beginning and end of the academic year. Give it a listen - i think you will find this to contain a remarkable message.

The call to action is in the title of the talk.

Thanks for your interest in this MAC newsletter. Please let me know if you

• have anything you would like included in the next MAC newsletter

• would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list or you know of someone who would like to be added

I can be reached at Ron@MedallionAdventureClub.com or a text in MAC Slack. 

To Adventure

Ron King

Medallion Adventure Club