Camping
I can't think of anything more relaxing, more away from the busy world. Grab your gear and hike off into the woods, we look for a stream for a source of water and pitch the tent nearby. This gives us direct access to unlimited water and also provides a nice background "noise" to fall asleep to.
Of course knowing ahead of time about the location you plan to hike is important. We use everything from google maps to USGS topography maps.
We often feel like we're moving at a snail's pace, but we keep plugging away knowing our destination is just a few (hundred) more miles and in the end, it is all worth it.
Our kids also enjoy camping, but for other reasons. They run around like maniacs and blow off excess energy, energy that we wish we could bottle as we sure could use some.
This is what I typically look like around the campsite. Actually, once the tents are set up and water filtered and dinner made, there is usually a lot of wood gathering. I'm sure this was after a session of wood gathering. It feels as though I never have enough time to relax.
The hammock is new, it's an Eagles Nest Outfitters single. We bought two of them last year, and likey will buy at least one double this year. The kids just love them so that leaves little time for us to use them, we plan to rectify that this year.
Here's Kelly's hammock, I swear the kids could sleep just about anywhere! Not me, I need the air mattress. Both my wife and I suffer from Sciatic Nerve Pain, not a great combination.
Here's a nice fall shot my daughter took a few years ago when she was almost seven years old. Looks like the photography gene continues :^)
We make no guarantees, warranties, or imply endorsements to these products, these are simply what we have and what works for us, we are in no way affiliated with any of these brands in any manner. This list is by no means a shopping list to great pain-free adventure, but merely one man's opinion. Your mileage may vary. All images copyright 2009 William P. Mitchell.