Rain was pouring down when I picked up Kevin. Flood warnings were starting to pop up, and the forecast wasn’t getting any better.
So, naturally, we went kayaking.
Day One: Rain, Rocks and an Empty River
We drove straight to the kayak rental and ended up being pretty much the only people on the river. The rain made everything feel quiet and slightly post-apocalyptic—in a good way. As a side note, I am obsessed with anything post-apocalyptic. Feel free to analyze me.
We paddled beneath the sandstone cliffs, followed a narrow creek away from the main river and passed abandoned industrial structures that looked like something from a movie. There were also gigantic lily pads covering parts of the water.
It wasn’t the beautiful sunny day we had pictured, but it was probably more memorable because of that.
Afterward, we stopped at Aldi for a few easy meals, checked into the Airbnb and spent the evening watching Ted Lasso. Nothing fancy but it was exactly what we needed.
Day Two: Getting a Little Lost
The next morning, we headed to Dayton Bluffs Preserve. The hike was relatively flat, with prairie flowers, wooded trails and views along the Fox River. The trail markings were occasionally questionable, so we got a little lost—which was part of the fun.
More importantly, we had several uninterrupted hours to talk about life, work, parenting and what we want the next phase of our lives to look like.
That afternoon, we explored downtown Utica. The town has done a great job turning part of Mill Street into a welcoming outdoor space with tables, restaurants and places to hang out. We ate outside at Bruce & Ollie’s, walked around for a while and then headed back for more Ted Lasso and Shrinking.
Later, we went to Skoog’s for burgers, a few drinks and part of a football game.
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Day Three: One More Hike
We finished the trip at Matthiessen State Park. The water was low, but there was still enough flowing through the canyons to see several waterfalls.
We covered most of the park, climbed a lot of steps and worked our way around a few downed trees. Some sections could use a little attention, but the canyons, rock formations and waterfalls still made it a great final hike.
Then we headed home.
The Real Point
Adventure doesn’t have to mean flying across the country, spending a pile of money or creating some elaborate itinerary.
Sometimes it is a few days close to home with one of your closest friends—paddling through the rain, getting slightly lost, eating burgers and talking honestly about life.
That is really what the FI Adventure Club is supposed to be: building genuine friendships through shared adventure. No presentations. No forced networking. Just getting outside and spending real time together.
Find a park. Grab a book or a map. Make a simple plan and invite two or three people.
If they come, great.
If nobody comes, go anyway.
