“Outside is free,” as the saying goes. We know that phrase is a lot more nuanced than that. It’s not technically “free” as we can get lost in the minutia of who owns the land (private vs. public), land use debates (how should it be used or designated?), taxes, advocacy work to keep places wild or build trails (or both), and so much more. However, when #outsideisfree is used it is more in reference to the cost of enjoying the outdoors.

It’s doesn’t mean there are not state park fees, etc, but the premise is that once outdoors the experience is free. Again, I find myself wanting to footnote this article like mad … because what is “free?” Mountain biking? Well, you’ll need to drop $2K-$6K on a bike. Rock climbing? More gear. Camping? Gear. Again, I suppose the premise is … ONCE you’ve bought all of the gear AND the appropriate permits and passes THEN it is free.

I’m not trying to sound angsty nor pick fights, but sometimes when trying to use commonplace phrases like “outside is free” it quickly evolves for me into a conversation about access and privilege. Not in a “shame on you” or guilt-ridden way. Just an acknowledgement. One that affirms how far we’ve come as well as recognize how much farther we need to go. But every time I venture outdoors these are the kinds of thoughts, conversations, and ideas bouncing through my mind. I should probably focus more on the trail when riding so I don’t accidentally clip my pedal and fly over the handlebars.

As a family we like to explore. A lot. It’s not all outdoor-related in wilderness areas. Often times it’s wandering through downtown Portland (or other cities) with cameras in hand to take photos. Once we get home we share our photos with one another as well as give each other feedback on the editing process in Lightroom. Some weekends we’re exploring the city and other times we pick a waterfall or some other kind of geologic feature to hike to (or bike to).

What I’ve learned is that it’s not as much as what we do nor how we explore … as long as we’re out and about doing this together. Making memories. All during this past year-plus of the pandemic we’ve explored more than we ever have. To get out, hike, linger, drink coffee on the way to the trailhead, see new sights, and visit old ones have been life-giving. At times we’d hit places off the beaten path with next to no one there. Other times we’d visit well-trafficked spots. There’s just something about being outdoors together that is special.

We can go to the coast and do nothing other than walk along the beach and look at the waves. Or hike to a waterfall we’ve been to several times. The “what” is not as important as the “why.” And that is to be together and make memories. No, we don’t set out saying, “Hey, let’s make memories!” It just happens. These trips become the anchor points in my memory that help me track the passing of time. It even causes me to pay attention to seasons … which trips were mid-winter or the ones mid-summer with the high desert heat bearing down on us. It’s very similar how most of us still operate with a school year mindset. It’s a way to track the rhythms of a year.

While the pandemic has been difficult for all of us for innumerable reasons, I will always cherish these times exploring as a family. It’s easy to make memories together outside. While “outside may not be free” it’s sure worth it. Get outside and explore.

Words and Photos by Sean Benesh