This is a collection of eighteen essays that explain the meaning of recreation, parks, and leisure in the author's own life. Many of the essays are about adventure-based outdoor recreation experiences and are set in the context of mountains, forests, deserts, and tundra. This second edition includes six new essays that are based on the realisation that much of what makes life interesting flows out of everyday pastimes: visiting friends, playing games, enjoying good food, listening to music, appreciating the landscape, connecting with family, and self-reflection.