Are We Having Fun Yet?: Enjoying the Outdoors With Partners, Families, and Groups

Rating:
Summary: Comments From a Canoeing Instructor
Review: I have been enjoying outdoor activities for over 30 years (hiking, hunting, camping, paddling). I have canoed for 28 years and taught canoeing (flatwater, moving water, handicapped, and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman classes) for 19 years. What a boon it would have been to have had this book in the beginning.

If you are going to participate in outdoor activities with your spouse, your children or with friends, this book has much valuable information. Dr. Baird, a psychologist and highly experienced outdoorsman explains his ten relationship essentials: self-awareness, flexibility, curiosity & desire to learn, patience, cooperation, sensitivity, trust, communication, humor, love & respect for nature.

He carefully spells out the planning process for a successful adventure. This is not merely a checklist for gear but an evaluation of the people involved, their personalities, their skill levels, their expectations, and much more. Understanding these characteristics and making accommodations for them can go a long way towards having a harmonious and rewarding outing.

The author deciphers how the differences between men and women such as communication styles, physical abilities, anatomy, etc., affects their approach to outdoors activities. It is fascinating to learn how different personality types approach outdoor experiences and how they affect the dynamics of a group. If you wish to avoid the interpersonal conflicts that can dampen your experience and threaten relationships, this book is for you.

Some of the most important information of all is in the chapter on communication. The reader learns how to appropriately and effectively talk and LISTEN to the other members of a group so that the group can successfully solve problems and enjoy each others company in the process. The ultimate goal is to have a splendid experience in the great outdoors. (P.S. This info has significance in everyday activities, not just in an outdoor setting.)

My own book is filled with yellow highlighting throughout so I can quickly review the most helpful points. I also enjoy the clever cartoons by David Horsey that introduce each chapter.