Adventure Friday: Becoming a Gear Head

I've been learning how to ski this winter, mostly at Andy's insistant persuasion. First thing in the morning, before we get to the mountain, I'm pretty poor company. A typical Sara monologue sounds like this:

"It's too early. Can't we sleep in?"
"I never get to sleep in."
"Why do I always have to get up first?"
"I don't feel good."
"Why do I always have to make the coffee?"
"Wait, I need coffee."
"We never go snowshoeing. When can we go snowshoeing?"
"I miss hiking. When can we go hiking?"

Once I'm on the mountain, my competitive side takes over and I start having fun. Sunshine and pine trees help, too. Skiing just isn't something I typically suggest of my own will.

Until recently.

Sunshine helps

Andy surprised me with a pair of my own skis this week, and suddenly all I can think about is skiing. I can't wait to try them. I'm excited to see how they feel, and I'm excited to challenge myself. They're longer than the rentals I've been learning on, and I'm anxious to see whether I can finally break the habit of leaning back. (Or the habit may break me.)

Skis!

Sometimes I forget how much of a gear head I really am. After all, I only have two bicycles, three backpacks, four types of technical fleece, four different hydration systems, one camping hammock, and one pair of snowshoes. That's not a lot, right? Ugh.

The key to most outdoor adventures is minimalism. Whether you're carrying a week of supplies in a backpack or pedaling up a steep incline, less is often more. So why is it so easy to accumulate (and fall in love with) gear?

Or, really, why do outdoor hobbies multiply and expand?

TONIGHT: Patagonia Tin Shed Opening Party

If you like free food, free gear, and good times, you may want to head to tonight's opening party for the Patagonia Tin Shed on the Upper West Side.

From the horse's mouth:

We’re pleased to announce the arrival of two new Patagonia concept stores open for the holiday season and early spring. We call them Tin Sheds, named after the blacksmith shop in Ventura, Calif., where Patagonia founder/owner Yvon Chouinard forged tools for rock and alpine climbing.

Where: 2625 Broadway at W. 100th
When: Tonight, Nov 11, 6:30 p.m.
Why: Live music, food, giveaways

And if you like movies with breathtaking nature shots and people doing awesome things that you'll never do, even more reason to go:

Exclusive preview of Sweetgrass Film's SOLITAIRE: A South American Ski Film, followed by a Q&A with Nick Waggoner, director of the film.

Or, just enjoy the sweet Jose Gonzalez soundtrack.

I heard about this event from @scienceb4brkfst. Thanks!