Going the Distance: Exploring Love and the Great Outdoors
Nicolas Lenze 11.10.23
As a people, the outdoorsy are romantics. We’ll climb mountains, chase tornadoes, and traverse vast distances for one instance of romance. The beauty and drama that Mother Earth provides is so powerful, it calls us to seek it out. This is not unlike the draw I fell toward my wife and partner in life, Jersey. This weekend is our anniversary, and it is our 6th wedding anniversary, and I’ve been reflecting. Memories can be cloudy, but the presence of the outdoors has been a steady one during our courtship, marriage, and raising of two wild and miniature humans. So, if you are a romantic like me, read on as I write a love letter to my wife and the beautiful land that has formed our community.
Outdoor Coverage on AllOutdoor
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- New Custom Bolt-Action Rifles from the New Anderson Custom Shop
- POTD: Simple Mortar for a Difficult Time – The Granatwerfer 16
Miles Traveled and A Hobby Shared
Part of dedicating yourself to somebody for life is actually spending time with them. When my wife, Carly (I call her Jersey) and I started dating, we were living on opposite ends of North America. I was born and raised in Southern California and she was, and still very much is, a Jersey girl. One of our first weekends together dropped us right in the middle of Sequoia National Park for a bit of camping. Winding through the forest, our heads in the clouds, exploring was being implanted as a permanent guest in our lives.
Nine years later, we’ve continued our love of hiking and are passing it down to our children. El Jefe here at AllOutdoor recently got married, too. Together, they raise animals, run an all-natural bakery, and use the outdoors for recreation. I asked Adam to explain the role this lifestyle has had in their relationship.
The outdoors, fitness, and shared hobbies have been a pivotal part of my marriage with my wife, Andrea. We motivate each other to remain fit by going to the gym together, and seeing our partner work hard makes us want to elevate ourselves. Lifting weights, doing jiu jitsu, and even going for walks outside. This extends to other outdoor passions like my wife’s love for bees and beekeeping, my excitement for hunting and wanting to share those experiences with her, and me sharing my knowledge about firearms and archery. It reinvigorates me to see someone else excited to learn and we’re both better for it. Living an outdoor lifestyle has – and always will – be an integral part of our lives together.
Bonding Agent or Agent Bond?
It’s been said that there’s no stronger bond than one formed in a foxhole. While I’ve never been to war, I imagine that’s accurate. What is life, if not a series of battles, uphill climbs, sleepless nights, potty training, and preparing for a horrible day that you hope never comes. Since moving to Colorado, Jersey’s interest in firearms and self-defense exploded. She joined her local A Girl and A Gun chapter and found a community of like-minded women, as well as a passion she can enjoy on her own. While she does have her own journey, our path together is strong. From dry fire sessions after our hellions (not that one, Springfield Armory) go to bed, to dates at the range. Most recently, we dropped the kids in Grandma’s lap and took a Raven Wing Limited Performance Pistol course.
Anyone can help you do your taxes or remind you to put the Tupperware in the fridge, but how many people would you trust in a fight for your lives? Shooting has given us, as well as Adam and Andrea, a passion, a skill, a hobby, and absolute security that we’re bonded to our partners in every way, including the protection of our pack.
Love, In Sickness and In Health
One thing that all outdoor activities share is the physical requirement. You have to GO outside. It’s an active lifestyle, and that directly translates to a healthier life. Hiking strengthens your heart and builds strong and durable muscles. Shooting requires thinking and problem-solving. Exercising your brain and continuing to challenge yourself is known to improve cognitive function as you age.
This became especially important when we started having children. The need to be there for them for as long as they need us has forced us into making some healthier choices. Emphasis on some. We have to have some fun!
The Journey Continues
Obviously, Jersey and I have a lot of years to go, Adam and Andrea even more. While our connection to nature might fall away at times, the hardships of modern living will never eliminate it. Life is beautiful, and has been improving dramatically with each year. I feel fortunate every day that I have the opportunity to explore this planet, and to do so with my very best friend. The thousands of miles we once traveled for a just a touch will now be traveled hand in hand.
If you’d like to invade our respective privacies, find Adam, Andrea, Carly, and me on our… public Instagram pages. Next time you have a free day, grab someone close to you and go share the outdoors. The world is out there.
