Progress, Not Perfection
Welcome to the beginning of FI Adventure Club.
If you're reading this, you've found us early. Really early.
This website is intentionally simple (and maybe a little rough around the edges). Rather than waiting until everything is "finished," I'd rather start sharing our adventures, learn as we go, and hopefully inspire a few others to join us along the way. Progress beats perfection.
Our vision is simple:
Small groups of FI-minded men exploring the outdoors, trying new experiences, and building genuine friendships—not through presentations or forced networking, but through shared adventure.
Our first official adventure took four friends—Tim, Kevin, Matt, and me—to Colorado for four days of hiking, rafting, baseball, great conversations, and meeting new friends in the Financial Independence community.
Day 1 – Dust, Heat & High Expectations
We kicked things off with a challenging hike under a hot Colorado sun. Between the early start, dry trails, and plenty of elevation, we were more than ready to reach the Airbnb, cool off, and recharge.
It was the perfect reminder that some of the best adventures begin by getting a little uncomfortable.
Day 2 – When Plans Change
Our whitewater rafting trip turned into more of a scenic float thanks to unusually low water levels.
No one complained.
The scenery was spectacular, the conversations were even better, and in a small-world moment, our guide turned out to be from Southern Illinois.
Sometimes the backup plan becomes the memory.
That evening, we drove to Longmont and were welcomed by new friends from the FI Collective. One of the things that continues to impress me about the Financial Independence community is how quickly strangers become friends. We enjoyed a relaxed evening swapping stories, sharing ideas, and talking about what life looks like after financial independence.
If you're unfamiliar with the community that inspired so much of this journey, start with Mr. Money Mustache, one of the pioneers of the modern FIRE movement.
Day 3 – Creeks, Conversation & Colorado Baseball
Saturday morning we explored Lair o' the Bear—possibly the best trail name ever.
The hike couldn't have been more different from Day 1. Cool shade, a beautiful creek winding through the canyon, mountain bikers flying past, hikers everywhere, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy being outside.
That evening we headed to Coors Field expecting a fun baseball game.
Instead, we accidentally showed up on Colorado's 150th anniversary celebration.
The stadium was packed despite the Rockies' difficult season, the home team pulled out a win, and we were treated to an unexpected drone show after the game.
Sometimes being lucky is the best itinerary.
Day 4 – Casa Bonita
Our FI friends insisted we couldn't leave Colorado without experiencing Casa Bonita.
They were right.
The best description we heard all weekend was:
"It's like a 1970s amusement park disguised as a Mexican restaurant."
That's surprisingly accurate.
The food was much better than we expected, but the real attraction is simply wandering through the place. Between the cliff divers, hidden rooms, caves, arcade games, performers, and the incredible renovation completed by the creators of South Park, we easily could have spent another two hours exploring.
It's unlike anything I've ever experienced.
More Than a Vacation
Every one of us came into the weekend with high expectations.
Every one of us left thinking the trip exceeded them.
We flew home physically tired but mentally energized, already talking about where we'll go next.
That's exactly what FI Adventure Club is about.
Not luxury.
Not checking destinations off a list.
Not networking.
Just getting a handful of adventurous, FI-minded guys together to explore somewhere new, have meaningful conversations, and build friendships that last long after the trip ends.
We're just getting started, and I hope you'll follow along.
Keep adventuring-
Jay