“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,”

…said LaoTzu, a popular blogger from China, and I’m convinced he was talking about microadventures.

I mean, isn’t everyone these days?

“So Jim, how do we start to microadventure?” is a question I imagine people asking several times a day …and it is a good question.

Let me elucidate…

elucidate

ɪˈl(j)uːsɪdeɪt

verb

make (something) clear; explain.

synonyms:      explain, make clear, make plain, illuminate, throw/shed light on, clarify.

 

Let me demonstrate how I go about researching my adventures by planning one…

I open Google Maps.

I firmly believe that microadventures aren’t just about camping, and indeed don’t require an overnight stay. It’s interesting what can be discovered by mixing up your usual routine with the simple approach of seeing something new – shop in a centre you haven’t been to in a neighbouring suburb, or drive home via a route that you’ve never been.

I research microadventures as I would if I was planning an extended overseas trip. Search, “Unusual things to do in [insert home town here]” and see what is on your doorstep.

I do spend a bit of time exploring the bay, so this time I’ll plan a camping trip. It will give me an opportunity to try out my Fifty Dollar Camp Kit (Post is coming soon – subscribe to the blog to be kept in the loop)

(Note: Your local neighbourhood might not look exactly like this – if it doesn’t, you’re not in Brisbane …which is OK.)

mapsprelim

This is what I’m looking at. What is immediately obvious looking at my map is that wonderfully empty patch of green to the west! It might not be as obvious where you live (I’d love to see what you’re looking at if you’d like to send me a screenshot), but as you can see here, there are also patches to the Southeast and the North. Except for driving around the outsides, I haven’t visited the big patch, so it’s time I went west.

There is always the option of stealth camping, particularly in such a large park, but there are advantages to established campsites – money goes towards the administration of it, some have water or toilet facilities, etc. Google maps is terrible for searching for campsites, but a web search for, “Brisbane Bush Campsites” brings up heaps of suggestions. The one that catches my eye is titled, “Parks and forests with camping around Brisbane.” – and it has a government URL.

…and it also has this gem:

ParkMap

The closest camp for me is Scrub Road Bush Camp, and a quick search on Google Maps shows me this…

That’s a bit of a hike. There’s not much public transport out that way (it could cut it to about four hours), and I do own a car, so I could drive to the gloriously named Opper Brookfieldberg and walk the 6km.

But it seems more of an adventure if I can just walk out my front door. The worst-case scenario is I give up half way and get picked up (there’s sufficient roads along the walk), or I can stealth camp short of the campsite.

I think I’ll walk.

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