My name is Dave Fraatz. I live in Minnesota. I have reached a stage of life where adventure beckons, and I am in a position to answer the call. Currently, my adventures involve hiking, whether it be backpacking or day hiking (or some variation thereof), although canoeing and other activities can be included.
My Definition of Adventure
One dictionary definition of adventure is, “an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.” That suits me, but I try to minimize the “typically hazardous” element; see below.
Adventure is an experience. Photos can document an experience, but the experience is whatever it is, with or without documentation. So if you find the photos on this site appealing, you’ll still have to make your own adventure.
Adventure takes me away from the ordinary existence at home to distant places that expand my horizons and give new perspective to the ordinary life. Getting away from ordinary creature comforts is required, but I have my limits.
Adventure generally involves some element of the unexpected, the unknown, the unplanned and surprise. It requires a certain level of abandonment in order to get there.
Adventure requires a significant amount of effort. I greatly enjoy a mountaintop view after hiking to get there, but a car or helicopter ride to the same place would not be an adventure, although I would certainly enjoy the view in either case.
Adventure happens outdoors. While I suppose it could be done indoors, I have yet to find an effective venue.
Adventure does not need to be extreme. I’ll probably never be the first to do something, but being one of the few helps. I like to hike to semi-wild places for significant periods of time, measured in weeks. (Although I have had several trips that last multiple weeks, to date, I have yet to spend more than three weeks in one area, but that may change.)
Adventure requires risk but not because risk is a thing to be sought. I am not a risk-seeker. Risk is simply inherent in this type of activity. (If you wish to avoid all risk, stay at home, lie down on the couch and watch TV. But you’ll increase the risk of heart attack. See?) To me, getting home safely is my number one objective, and I am willing to modify the parameters of the adventure in order to help achieve that.
You probably have your own definition of adventure. That’s fine with me. But now you now know something about mine.
There is some more information about me on the FAQs page.
If you wish to contact me, send an e-mail to dfraatz@icloud.com
Adventure After 60 