Be A Defender

   The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders.”


—Edward Abbey


Ohhh, Edward.  what a lofty thought...




The Idea itself may not need defending, not if you "get" being out in the wilderness.  But I think it does need explaining.  Because apparently we need to explain to decision makers why it's a good idea to keep these areas pristine, free of commerce, and not privatized. 


We need to explain to social services why it's helpful for people with mental illness and trauma in their lives to spend time outdoors.


We need to explain why a National Monument is just as important and valuable as a National Park.  Why it's important to fund these areas.  Why Outdoor Recreation is such a huge part of the economy of many states. Why outdoor play matters.


So please, before another sun sets, write your Congressmen. Take a stand in your state.  #Resist

It's time to be a #ForceofNature

     


Thank you to REI for their new campaign #ForceofNature, promoting women in the outdoors.  Ladies, as recipient of all that good, please join me in fighting the direction this White House administration is taking us.  You may only be one person- then pick up the trash in your park, take your kids outside every chance you get, and ding ding ding your state and federal legislators, and municipal government to stand up for what's right.


See that photo above (Rocky Mountain National Park)  and the one below (Arches National Park)?  What if those beautiful places were not open to all of us?  What if they were the play places of only the uber wealthy?  You think you're only one person?  So is the president.  You can make a difference.


Please respond with your photos of National parks, State parks, your backyard, or any other favorite outdoor space that's affected by pollution, climate change, or political ignorance.


C'mon folks, join me in being a  #ForceofNature that makes a difference. 

Reminiscing

As I was cleaning out my overloaded cloud files (cloud pollution of the internet sort)  I came across several essays from past trips, and thought I would share them with you over the next few weeks.  My rants are obvious, but, so, I hope is the fun!


Consider this first batch Camping Etiquette 101 !!!!

HE SAID WHAT?

“DUDE, this is some good weed now!”  

Even though carpets of leaves and canopies of trees make for great sound deadeners, they don’t absorb it all.  I’m not sure if it’s the lure of the wilderness that makes people want to talk loudly about personal topics, or if it’s only people with no social filters who go camping.  Obviously, I am excluding myself from that category.  I have heard discussion of your marijuana use, your issues with your spouse and his performance, your wife’s inability to “cook or get you cookin’,” and a multitude of discussions regarding bodily functions.  Save the personal stuff for your therapist’s couch or your best friend’s kitchen, and for heaven’s sake keep your voice down!