The Kinds of Outdoorsy People You Meet in Seattle
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Image: David Wilson
What do we mean when we say someone is “outdoorsy”? Well, it takes all kinds, some more closely related than others.
Sporty
Defining Characteristics: Uses the outdoors for athletic pursuits, to challenge and refine the body. The world is their playground.
Motto: “Strava or it didn’t happen.”
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Image: David Wilson
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Open Water Swimmers
Enjoy being called “nuts,” have conquered one of nature’s harshest conditions, and actually prefer the less crowded winter. -
Triathletes
Think one discipline is never enough. When you think about it, the outdoors is one big course without a finish line. -
Rock Climbers
Take the hard way up—it’s the whole point. There’s nothing in nature stronger than a single well-placed finger. -
Trail Runners
Can knock off a dozen miles before it’s time to stop for a snack made of protein goo. -
Rollerbladers
Believe one needs a lot of room to travel with wheeled feet. Making it look easy is harder than you’d think.
Earthy
Defining Characteristics: Finds connection with nature, and isn’t afraid to be quiet, still, and even spiritual in the open air.
Motto: “It’s the journey, not the destination.”
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Image: David Wilson
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Ramblers
Can turn any neighborhood stroll into a nature walk, and may make it only a quarter mile down a hiking trail due to stopping to inspect every plant. -
Anglers
Know that you can’t catch a fish until you truly understand it. Don’t understand the need to be dry all the time. -
Foragers
Won’t tell you their secret spots for fungi or nettles, but will happily wander through brush with you to find new ones. -
Tidepoolers
Always wear the sturdy rubber shoes with good soles. They never touch anything with more than two fingers, just to be safe. -
Standup Paddlers
Move with the waves, not against them. When it feels too easy, they will try a yoga pose on a choppy day.
Adventurous
Defining Characteristics: Exploring the wilderness is about venturing into the unknown, knowing that there’s pure thrill in seeing what’s beyond the horizon.
Motto: “The mountains are calling and I must go.”
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Image: David Wilson
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Backpackers
Have dehydrated dinner, will travel. Enjoy going to sleep knowing the closest neighbor is wildlife. -
Orienteers
Get lost on purpose just for the joy of figuring out where they are. Whizzes with GPS. -
Mountaineers
Have an indescribable need to be on top of any land mass in sight. Breathe better when the air is thinner. -
Mountain Bikers
Never know exactly what’s around the next bend but know they’re going to find out very soon. -
Off-Roaders
Know the map of jeep trails is probably inaccurate, and love that. Can winch their way out of any swamp, washout, or blowdown.