When we embark on a big adventure outdoors, the truth is that we rarely know what we’re getting into. Usually, the reasons we give for taking a trip are rarely what make it so memorable. You might go into the mountains with dreams of perfect powder turns but come away marveling about something you saw in the sky. These novel experiences and surprises are why so many of us keep going back. In this episode, we share a pair of stories about people finding unexpected delight in the wilderness—having remarkable days that they didn’t really plan for and that changed them in ways they never imagined. Because after the year we’ve all had, it feels good to hear about better times and be reminded of the kinds of decisions that lead to the most enlightening moments.

This episode of the Outside Podcast is brought to you by Sonos, maker of the Sonos Move, a portable smart speaker that delivers detailed sound and rich base in every kind of room and outdoors. Learn more about why it makes the perfect gift this holiday season at Sonos.com