As we move forward out of 2022, we leave behind a year that saw our economy take a pretty big hit. We can only wish for a better outcome for 2023.
Whenever life seems to be a little glum, I look to nature for a little cheer. Winter sometimes seems a little gloomy, but, in all reality, there are many upsides. When I think back to my childhood, I remember the good times that I had when exploring the slough near our home. I can still see myself pulling on the old 5buckle overshoes in preparation for my next great adventure. My Mother would bundle me up in so many clothes that I could barely waddle out the door. I felt like I was imitating a penguin when I walked. Maybe that is where the radio station folks get that phrase when they are telling us how to walk, drive and do things that we’ve been doing our whole lives without their wisdom.
Walking through the slough in the winter just didn’t happen; you had to follow the ice trail of the flowing
water. You didn’t want to get off trail and walk amongst the bull rushes or clumps of weeds. Getting off the proverbial “beaten path” would tire you out way too quickly. Yes, spending time exploring the slough was awesome. There were always critter tracks that could lead you astray, but that was part of the exploring thing. I can remember many times while venturing out in the slough when a pheasant would explode out of its hiding place in a clump of grass just inches from my boot. This would give you a start and make your heart skip a beat.
Whenever I take a drive in the country and pass by a natural stream
that has not been altered by man, I get a good feeling inside. To me the beauty of a natural stream, especially in winter, is always a thing of wonder. A stream that is flowing the way nature intended takes on a personality all its own and has a sort of freedom that still makes me excited when wondering what could be lurking just out of sight around the next bend. I have been that way since I was a young boy and nothing about that has changed, except for the young boy part.
Yes, nature still has a lot of great adventures for us to see and experience that you just won’t find by watching TV, looking at your phone
or surfing the internet. Just the act of walking on a trail, visiting a park or relaxing by the shore of a lake can be very rewarding in itself, especially if you take pause to reflect on what is around you and enjoy what nature has to offer.
I have always had that child-like curiosity when it comes to nature. When it is in a boat, I always wonder what is around the next point of land. Over the years I have many times been surprised by a deer drinking water along a wooded shoreline or of otters playing amongst the lily pads on a secluded lake. Although I love to fish, these are the things that always fascinate me when it comes to nature and the outdoors.
Until next time: I hope everyone had a good New Year and will have an even better 2023.
Please show our support for the troops that are serving our country today. These servicemen and women are making that sacrifice, so that we may have the many freedoms that we enjoy today.