Where's Will?

My Sanctuary

Spring is finally here again. It's my favourite time of year. Motorcycling, walks around our neighbourhood lake, BBQ's, late evenings sitting outside on the deck with my wife and a bottle of wine. For me, life doesn't get much more enjoyable than that.

This time of year also brings something else with it for me, and that is, less time online. Oh, I may still work on a new blog post here and there, but the frequency of posts does tend to be a little less. I still pop into Facebook here and there, but I've noticed that I spend less time there than I might have in the colder months. I still check in with Twitter too, but like Facebook, not as much during these wonderful warmer months. So if you don't see much of me online this time of year, now you know why. I hope you'll understand and forgive me if I don't seem to reply to comments in as timely a manner as you may be accustomed to. It's just that I'd rather be out there than in here.

Personally I think we all need to do more of that. I think we all need to spend more time "out there" than "in here." Maybe somebody should designate July and August "Log Off" months. I can just see the executives from social media networks scratching their heads in bewilderment as users strangely disappear off their radar for a while. LOL.

Maybe it should be illegal to participate in any social media during summer months, just so that we don't forget how to go outside to play. Maybe we should unplug the Playstation and introduce our children to the original Playstation, the local park.

There's a wonderful world out there. Even if you've lived in an area for many years, I dare say there are treasures nearby that you probably aren't even aware of. I remember recently looking at a local tourist magazine and was amazed at all the interesting things there are to see and do nearby. My goal this summer is to jump on the motorbike and make some day trips exploring some of these places.

By way of example, there's a place not too far from my home called Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. The name alone says, "Come Visit Me," yet in all the years I've lived in southern Alberta, I've never yet visited the site. And what child isn't fascinated by dinosaurs? The world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller is also within an easy day trip from my home. I'm embarrassed to say that I've never yet visited there either. The way I see it, it's time to get off the couch, log off the computer, and do a few road trips.

I've just introduced you to two world famous sites in my backyard. And if I was a gambling man, I would bet that there are famous places near you too that, like me, you also haven't yet visited.

My 2007 Vulcan Nomad 1600cc

My challenge for you, my online friends, is to consider doing likewise. Log off for a while and go exploring in the great outdoors. Visit your province or your state. Show your children how to enjoy the original Playstation; I'm sure you remember how. Get on a bicycle, get some exercise (now I'm preaching to myself), get some fresh air, invite the neighbours for a BBQ. You say that you don't know your neighbours? Well, summer is the perfect time to get out there and meet them. I dare you.

So, if you will excuse me, I think I hear my motorbike calling me, and there's a road out there that needs exploring. So if you find yourself asking, "Where's Will," now you know. See you around. Peace.