When one comes out of the theaters featuring an adventure movie, that person is thinking one of two things. First, some could be daydreaming about their adventure and be inspired to take on activities that would satiate their hunger. Second, some would note how unrealistically depicted the experience was.
It doesn’t matter if you’re the kind of person who wants to set off on a long journey but has duties and responsibilities that need to be met. If you wish to know what a real adventure is like or if you’re someone in between, you’d want to check out some of the greatest real adventure stories ever recorded.
1. The discovery of the German submarine U-869
In 1991, two men discovered a World War II relic 60 miles off the coast of New Jersey and 230 feet below the sea. It was a German U-boat. The discovery prompted John Chatterton and Bill Nagle to keep the relic a secret to claim it as their discovery. The existence of the sub was eventually found out, but the authorities denied that such a wreck could exist as their records show.
This seven-year quest is by Robert Kurson in the book Shadow Divers. Crew members gathered to try and identify the sub that came and went. A man named Richie Kohler eventually joined the crew, but due to their difference in methods and philosophies, he was often at odds with Chatterton. The two men finally found admirable qualities in each other.
More than just the identity of the submarine, this adventure also talked about the humanity of each person, about their hopes, aspirations, and obsessions. An adventure isn’t always about the thrilling events, after all. Often, the best adventures are those you discover within yourself.
2. The record-setting journey of a wooden dory through the fierce waters of the Grand Canyon
It’s a tale by Kevin Fedarko in the book The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon. In 1983, the record for speed rowing through the entire Grand Canyon. It was set by Kenton Grua, Rudi Petschek, and Steve Reynolds. Each of them was a Grand Canyon river guide.
The record of 36 hours, 38 minutes, and 29 seconds was set amidst the largest El Niño event encountered by the West in addition to a massive snowmelt runoff racing down the Colorado River and filling the Glen Canyon Dam. It was a river that could tear apart three-ton motorboats. To others, the river at the time screamed death, but for the trio, it was an opportunity. It’s an exhilarating tale worthy of the equally riveting river.
3. The humble and often humorous tale of two inexperienced explorers
For those of you looking for something a bit more relatable, consider the story of Redmond O’Hanlon. An English writer and scholar and James Fenton. A fellow Englishman who was a poet, a journalist, and a literary critic. It was supposed to be a well-planned walk through the jungle of Borneo with the latter hoping that the former would help him identify the endemic species there. However, O’Hanlon had another thing in mind, and he dragged his well-meaning friend through the dangerous and unexplored areas of Borneo.
They’ve encountered strange plants, animals, and other odd circumstances that push the two men through physical and sometimes moral challenges. Written in a book named Into the Borneo by O’Hanlon himself.
Our constant access to information may make adventures seem unnecessary and just downright impractical. However, just like everything else in the world, our adventures have evolved with us. You may not be able to explore the same jungle and have the same experiences. But our world gives you access to the new unexplored opportunities. You just have to know how to look for them.
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