It’s the first day back to school for many. The first day back to work for my wife and all the other teachers. All the impromptu summer camping trips have come to an end. All the parks and trails become a little more quiet as most peoples mindsets get “back to reality”. But this is not the case for everyone.

I have a truly unique opportunity in front of me. Four months away from work. Four months to explore the world around me. Hiking trails. Cycling day trips. And all this with my youngster Asher. I am on Parental Leave. Dadternity. I have often thought every September as though a new chapter of my life has started. This has likely come from the ingrained “back to school” days from when I was young, paired with marrying a teacher.

September for my wife and I, means a shift from our leisurely summer activities, to a busier time as Fall rolls in. She gets busy organising her new class for the year, and for many previous years, it was when I started up working on my second job again. Landscaping. (Seasonal.)

This Fall, things are a little different. I had given up my second job last Christmas, as a new position opened up at the company I mainly work for, and then we had our son. This Fall we chose for my wife to go back to work at the beginning of the school year, and split the time off with our child between us.

So here I am. Day 1. Excited? Yes. Time to get Asher started outdoor training camp!

Cheers.