Alastair Humphreys (www.alastairhumphreys.com), an author, motivational speaker, and a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2012, is the creative force behind Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes. Microadventures are designed to be ‘close to home, cheap, simple, short and 100% guaranteed to refresh your life.’ They allow people to escape the daily grind, explore the outdoors, and find excitement close to home. You don’t need to ski to the South Pole or live in a remote cabin in Patagonia to experience adventure.
In the spirit of his message, Alastair embarked on a memorable summer escapade in 2013. Alongside fellow adventurer Tomo Thompson, he paid homage to the legendary Millican Dalton by spending a night in Dalton’s “Cave Hotel.” The following morning, they crafted their own raft, inspired by Millican’s original creation named “Rogue Herries.” Using empty containers for buoyancy, branches, and a bracken deck, they set sail down the River Derwent. Despite encountering a torrential summer storm, Alastair said “it was wonderful!”
These microadventures remind us that adventure is not limited to far-flung destinations—it’s a state of mind that can be found right in our own backyard. So, whether it’s a night under the stars, a river journey, or any other small-scale adventure, Alastair encourages us all to get out there and embrace the spirit of exploration!
