Speaking of my younger days, this week I discovered a website many of you probably already visit called Hulu that offers full episode viewing of old television programs and movies. I've enjoyed watching some of my old favorites. My generation grew up at the beginning of and during the golden years of the television explosion. I suppose that gives us a unique perspective on the medium. Can't speak for others, but it just seems to me that the old programs were a lot better than most of what you find on television today. There are exceptions of course as programming today tends to be more sophisticated and have more of a biting edge to it...they're also way to explicit in my opinion. Even so, the science and nature programs available today do a good job of not only entertaining, but educating the ordinary viewer with outstanding footage and insight.
Now here's another good one...do any of you remember 'The Whirlybirds'. What a great show about a couple of guys who flew into and out of all kinds of adventures using a helicopter. No I never took up skydiving nor did I ever learn how to fly a helicopter...not that I didn't want to...just never had an opportunity to pursue those things, (and I haven't been scuba diving in quite some time). I guess there are some adventure quests best left to the 'Walter Mitty' hopes and dreams most of us have tucked away someplace.
What was important was not so much that I did or did not pursue those kinds of adventures...what really counts is the ideals and spirit of adventure that were nurtured because of them. I probably would never have taken up hunting and fishing or hiking and canoeing..even photography. I more than likely would have never attempted competing in triathlons at the age of 40, nor would I have thought about or enjoyed those two summers as a lifeguard and swimming instructor way too many years ago to admit to. The idea of jumping ship after three years of college looking for adventure by joining the United States Coast Guard and getting involved in search and rescue operations crashing through twenty-five foot breakers along the Oregon coast would never have happened...nor would time spent maintaining an old historic lighthouse.
Those old adventure shows from years ago were not the only things that nurtured the desire for adventure in my life, but they certainly must be included in the conversation because they created a visual point of reference that a young mind grasp onto...and dreamed about doing.
If you just stop and think about it though, one thing my generation...the Baby Boomers...learned how to do was to dream big...seek out the unknown...and challenge ourselves. Those traits have served our generation well as we became the most productive and innovative generation in history. We didn't just use technology, we invented it. We stretched our imaginations well beyond the ordinary and challenged the status quo and reached for...well..the moon.
Even though I've slowed down as I've gotten older, the dreams of adventure from my youth still resonate in my heart. I may never again be able to pursue those things at the same level I once did, but the desire still burns to get out and explore. Maybe that is why I started this blog...so I could experience again and share many of those memories with the few people who may actually visit these pages.
You know...I've only just slowed down a bit...I ain't dead yet...there are still plenty of adventures yet to chase after and I hope to share more with you as time goes by...I hope you join me.
(Would love to hear about some of your own adventures)
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