The other day I posted a video to my YouTube channel which led me into thinking about adventure in my life. You can see the film - here.

Ever since I was a child, the idea of living adventurously has been a guiding force for me. I've been fortunate to have had several sources of inspiration fuelling my passion for adventure and exploration. In this blog, I want to share with you three significant influences who shaped my adventurous spirit.

My Father: A Journey into the African Bush

My earliest memories of adventure can be traced back to my father. He was a man who had an insatiable love for the wild. When I was a young boy, he regularly took me with him on his journeys into the heart of the African bush. Those trips were nothing short of magical, as I was introduced to the raw, untamed beauty of nature. Dad instilled within me, a deep respect for the natural world and a sense of wonder for what’s possible within it. This wonderment has remained with me throughout my life.

Watching him navigate the African wilderness with confidence and awe, I learned the importance of being prepared, of respecting the environment, and of embracing the unknown with an open heart. These early adventures with my father ignited a spark within me, a yearning to explore the natural world with curiosity and eternally seek new experiences.

Working for Outward Bound: Embracing Kurt Hahn's Philosophy

As I grew into adulthood, my desire for adventure led me to a career at Outward Bound, an organisation founded in 1941, specialising in outdoor education and personal development. It was here I was introduced to the profound philosophy of Kurt Hahn, the founder of Outward Bound. Hahn believed in the transformative power of challenging outdoor experiences and the development of character through adversity.

Working with Outward Bound, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible impact these adventures had on the lives of young people and adults. I saw individuals push their limits, overcome fears, and discover strengths they never realised they had. Kurt Hahn's philosophy emphasised not only personal growth but also the importance of contributing to society, values which resonate powerfully with me today.

Outward Bound became my second home, and it was through this organisation I met a remarkable individual who would further fuel my passion for adventure.

Charles: The Epitome of Adventure

During my time working for Outward Bound in Wales in the mid-1980s, I had the pleasure of meeting Charles Lyster, a man who epitomized the spirit of adventure. Charles is akin to a character from the pages of a British explorer's diary, with a thirst for exploration. His stories of scaling rugged mountains, sailing sometimes tempestuous seas, and embarking on daring expeditions, were nothing short of captivating to me as a novice instructor. (In those early days he was a senior instructor and I was a lowly ‘summer temp’). I was in awe of his presence.

What struck me most about Charles was his unwavering curiosity and his fearless pursuit of the unknown. I learned from him, adventure is not limited to a specific place or time; it is a state of mind, a way of approaching life with courage and enthusiasm. Through his approach, Charles encouraged me to embrace every opportunity for exploration, whether it be in the wilderness or within myself.

Certainly! Charles Lyster's inspiring programme for fathers and sons, known as "Wild Journeys," has had a profound impact on my adventurous spirit and deserves a special mention in my journey towards living adventurously.

Charles Lyster's "Wild Journeys": A Bonding Adventure

Many years after my time working for Outward Bound, I had the privilege to work alongside Charles, on the inagural course of his inspiring programme called "Wild Journeys." This program is designed to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their sons through shared adventures in the great outdoors.

"Wild Journeys" is more than simply a series of outdoor activities; it is a transformative experience encouraging fathers and sons to connect on a deeper level, fostering trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose. Through activities such as tall ship sailing, hiking, camping, and wilderness skills, fathers and sons are invited out of their comfort zones, encouraging personal growth, and deeper understanding.

What makes "Wild Journeys" particularly remarkable is the mentorship and guidance of Charles himself. As a seasoned adventurer and explorer, Charles serves as a role model for the participants, sharing his wisdom and passion for the outdoors. He helps fathers and sons navigate the challenges of the natural world while imparting valuable life lessons along the way.

The "Wild Journeys" courses not only instill a sense of adventure but also create lasting memories, further strengthening the cores of the father-son relationships. It is a testament to the power of adventure in bringing people together and fostering meaningful connections. In my interactions with Charles and witnessing the positive impact of "Wild Journeys" on father-son pairs, I was inspired not only by the adventures themselves but also by the profound sense of purpose and bonding that they instilled.

This link will take you to his ‘Wild Journeys’ website - here. The date for the 2024 course is Sunday 4th to Saturday 10th August and places fill up fast.

The Adventure Within

My friendship with Charles has continued to evolve, and I am thrilled to share the exciting news of a new adventure we are embarking on together in the summer of 2024. We are teaming up to deliver a week-long course for adults in the summer aboard the magnificent tall ship, the Lady of Avenel. This unique program aims to explore the profound notion of adventure in our lives and how it can benefit us in countless ways.

Our course isn't just about the thrill of sailing; it's about embracing adventure as a way of life. Adventure has the power to rekindle our inner spirit, boost self-esteem, and enhance our problem-solving skills. It reminds us of our innate resilience and resourcefulness, traits which serve us well both on and off the ship.

Further details will be posted very soon.

Conclusion

Incorporating Kurt Hahn’s philosophy into my own journey towards living adventurously has been a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of fostering meaningful relationships and personal growth through shared experiences in the great outdoors. The sources of my inspiration to live adventurously have been deeply woven into the fabric of my life. My father introduced me to the wonders of the natural world, Outward Bound and Kurt Hahn's philosophy showed me the transformative power of adventure, and my friend Charles embodied the spirit of exploration and curiosity. Together, these influences have shaped me into the adventurous spirit I am today, always seeking new horizons and embracing the unknown with open arms.