Foto Friday 1/23/09

Photo- Bruce Kirkby

Confessions of an Outdoor Dad

Taken from Blue Ridge Outdoors, written by Jay Hardwig

“I’m hot, sweaty, thirsty, and smelly, but I’m having a great time.”

The pronouncement came from my eight-year-old son as we scrambled up a small summit on the Mountains-to-Sea trail late last summer. It was hardly the deep backwoods: we were a scant mile from the Folk Art Center, a fifteen-minute downhill stroll to flush toilets, station wagons, and soda pop machines. But it struck me with the force of revelation all the same. My boy loved it out here in the woods. He might grow up to run the ridges after all.

I had worried it would not be so. It’s a common concern in this modern age, filled as it is with a long list of pixelated micro-diversions and other agreeable conveniences. You know the usual suspects: the Gameboys, the Leappads, the iPods, the cell phones, the boob tube, the Internet, Club Penguin, Webkinz, ToonTown. How is it possible to raise a true nature’s child in a world of instant entertainment?

Read the rest here.

Contribute to DDD

As I'm sure you can see I'm not exactly posting on a daily basis. I can use all the dads out there's help in this project, as I can only experience so much with a newborn. Any dads who have the same goals for raising their children, or if you just had a great experience with your son or daughter fitting the purpose of this site, please share.

These submissions include but are not limited to...

Personal stories/experiences
Found articles or editorials worth sharing
Photos and Videos
Tricks and Tips on either being a dad or outdoors
Equipment reviews and testimonials

Outdoors to Dirtbag Dad Diaries means....

Surfing
Snowboarding
Skiing
Climbing
Hiking
Kayaking
Paddling
Trail Running
Biking
Exploration/Travel

If you have a story but question if its fitting the theme of this site, please shoot me an email.

Why do you limit the outdoors activities covered on DDD?

I limit the interpretation on "outdoors" and "exploration" based on the human experience provided by activities. All the activities I have listed are "human-powered" ie: no motorized equipment, and all are non-team sports. I'm not trying to discriminate against football or basketball etc, I love those sports. The purpose of DDD is fathers to actively raise their children with an understanding of the world around us that can't be experience with organized sporting activities held in specific venues.

Any contributions or questions can be sent to dnnymynr@aol.com