Nobody died. I don't know what kind of snake it was, but my words were firm, and the tone was clear when I gave my wife specific direction to back out of the rocks. The kids had already skipped ahead through the rocks to get to the West Virginia river. Just as my lovely bride was going to take her turn, I saw the snake coiled inches from the stepping stones. She heard my tone and backed out without question. 

Meru was the last movie I watched about engaging the natural world and was on the edge of my seat for the entire show. The documentary follows Conrad Anker (@conrad_anker), Jimmy Chin (@jimmy_chin), and Renan Ozturk (@renan_ozturk) as they seek a first ascent on the Sharks Fin on Mount Meru in Northern India. The bitter conditions and the staggering footage kept my cortisol pumping and solidified my respect for those that pursue this sport.

Laura Hillenbrand's, Unbroken, the story of Louis Zamperini was a quick read. The to-do list was put on hold once I started reading his story of survival through such difficult circumstances. The torture and persecution would have been unbearable, but the brutal weather layered on top of everything else, was unbelievable.

What is on your list? Camp as a kid, family vacations, military service, life as a vagabond, hunting trip?

I have been so insulated living in suburbia for so many years, that I was never really able to get comfortable doing a solo walk through the woods last year. The only threat were gray squirrels looking for acorns and a random mosquito. I have been working out; I could have taken them if my life depended on it. My need for unsupervised time in nature is evident.

Live dangerously, brave the gray squirrels, and tell your story in the comments below.