In case you missed it, or even if you didn’t, the nation celebrated “Earth Day 2012” on Sunday April 22nd. There were many local and national events on that day, and there are more to come through out the next couple of weeks.
I admit I’m old enough to remember the first “Earth Day” in 1970. Actually, a short story I wrote for an “Earth Day” writing contest sponsored by ISU around 1973 was the first time I received compensation for my writing. My story, titled “Unbalanced”, won first place in the fiction category, and I received a whopping $5.00.
In 1969, US Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, came up with the idea of “Earth day”. He was concerned that across the country, evidence of environmental degradation was overwhelming, and everyone noticed except the political establishment. The environmental issue was not on the nation's political agenda. People were concerned, but the politicians weren’t.
He thought that if he could tap into the concerns of the public, and direct the student anti-war energy into the environmental cause, he could generate demonstrations across the country that would force the issue onto the national political scene.
At a conference in 1969, Senator Nelson announced that in the spring of 1970 there would be a national grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment. The result of his announcement was more than he could have imagined. Inquiries poured into his office from all across the country. When the first “Earth Day” was over, 20 million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities had participated.
I can remember some of the demonstrations on the ISU campus during the early 70s. The protests themselves were pretty exciting, but the added entertainment provided by the “streakers” made those events even more memorable. However, that’s another story.
Forty two years later, we’re not only still celebrating “Earth day”, but its message is as relevant as ever. We continue to consume or destroy our air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and bio-diversity. This is not a sustainable situation in the long term. We can stick our heads in the sand for a while, but eventually our bottoms are going to notice a problem. When it’s all gone, we’ll have nothing left except a wasteland.
Maybe, in honor of “Earth Day” you’d like to resolve to personally have less of a negative impact on the earth, but aren’t sure how to go about it. Here are some simple things you can do to begin the process of being a better environmental steward.
• Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
• Reuse your water bottle. Reuse everything at least once, especially plastics, like disposable plates, silverware, and cups. Also baggies.
• Start a compost pile in your back yard.
• Buy foods locally if you can. If it’s in season, buy it at farmer’s markets and produce stands.
• Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Recycle your newspapers, glass, and anything else you can. Things that we can recycle locally include; newspapers, glass bottles and jars, tin and aluminum containers, plastic, mixed waste paper (cardboard, phone books, magazines, junk mail, office paper, brown bags); and used motor oil. Also, electronics and appliances.
• Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible, or products made from recycled materials.
• Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper. If you must use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
• Consider organic cleaning products like vinegar, borax, and baking soda.
• If you have a baby, try using cloth diapers.
• Consider buying a fuel-efficient car or a hybrid.
• Recycle your technology. Retro Tech in Peoria accepts your old electronics and appliances for recycling.
• Switch to fair trade or shade coffee. (Bird friendly)
• Plant trees.
• Reduce waste. Throw fewer things out. If you have clothes, furniture, household goods, toys etc. that you don’t want anymore, don’t drag them to the curb. Take them to one of the many places in town that accepts used items, such as “The Church Mouse” on Main St. in Peoria. This is a store full of pre-loved items run by the Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria, who use the profits to help non profit agencies, such as Lutheran Social Services.
So, on “Earth Day” and beyond, let’s remember the words of Chief Seattle, Chief of the Suquamish people.
“This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the
web, he does to himself.”
Amen!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Take A Hike
If someone tells you to “go take a hike”, they’re actually giving you good advice.
Exercise and weight loss web sites recommend walking as the most overlooked and neglected form of exercise. People seem to prefer expensive aerobic classes, and lots of time in gyms.
Health experts suggest that walking is a great form of exercise because it’s free, requires no partner or expensive gadgets, and will burn nearly the same calories as jogging. It’s not hard on the body, there’s no set time to do it, and a good walk eases the tension in mind and body.
Along with many local parks, there are some amazing trails in the area, not only beautiful, but excellent wildlife habitats.
• The trails at Forest Park Nature Center on Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights are wonderful. Deer, wild turkeys, and bird feeders loaded with every local bird imaginable, are just some of the added bonuses to walking these paths. Exercise and entertainment, what’s not to love? They are open daily from dawn to dusk, and are well marked with maps available listing distances. They are free, but donations are welcome. The Museum and Nature Store are open Mon. – Sat. 9AM to 5PM, Sunday, 1 to 5PM. There are potties, water, coffee, and tea in the trail head building.
• For a good walk, you can’t beat the Rock Island Trail. Beautiful, wild, full of flora and fauna, it’s another example of exercise, entertainment, and relaxation. There are several trail heads, but the closest is at Alta, where you can go towards Dunlap, or towards Peoria. Each way is a different habitat, and both are beautiful. There are potties and water at the Alta trailhead where a giant map shows you the route and distances.
• Another fun place to walk is the East Peoria Biking and Hiking trail. You can park at the Fondulac Administration Building and start your walk across the street on the trail. It’s paved, and pretty, with lots of wildlife and flowers. Several little bridges with gurgling streams flowing underneath are pleasant attractions. The Fondulac Administration Building has public restrooms and water.
Before you use walking as an exercise, there are a few tips to remember.
First, don’t eat solid food an hour before walking. Digesting takes a lot of energy away from the body.
You should avoid busy roads. Fresh air and green calming surroundings are more relaxing to the mind. Also, if you are taking more carbon dioxide than oxygen, you are harming your body.
Try to get in at least 30 minutes of walking everyday, and vary your routes so that you are not walking on flat ground.
Walking is not only good for your body, but good for your spirit.
Henry David Thoreau once said, "I come home to my solitary woodland walk as the homesick go home.”
Exercise and weight loss web sites recommend walking as the most overlooked and neglected form of exercise. People seem to prefer expensive aerobic classes, and lots of time in gyms.
Health experts suggest that walking is a great form of exercise because it’s free, requires no partner or expensive gadgets, and will burn nearly the same calories as jogging. It’s not hard on the body, there’s no set time to do it, and a good walk eases the tension in mind and body.
Along with many local parks, there are some amazing trails in the area, not only beautiful, but excellent wildlife habitats.
• The trails at Forest Park Nature Center on Forest Park Drive in Peoria Heights are wonderful. Deer, wild turkeys, and bird feeders loaded with every local bird imaginable, are just some of the added bonuses to walking these paths. Exercise and entertainment, what’s not to love? They are open daily from dawn to dusk, and are well marked with maps available listing distances. They are free, but donations are welcome. The Museum and Nature Store are open Mon. – Sat. 9AM to 5PM, Sunday, 1 to 5PM. There are potties, water, coffee, and tea in the trail head building.
• For a good walk, you can’t beat the Rock Island Trail. Beautiful, wild, full of flora and fauna, it’s another example of exercise, entertainment, and relaxation. There are several trail heads, but the closest is at Alta, where you can go towards Dunlap, or towards Peoria. Each way is a different habitat, and both are beautiful. There are potties and water at the Alta trailhead where a giant map shows you the route and distances.
• Another fun place to walk is the East Peoria Biking and Hiking trail. You can park at the Fondulac Administration Building and start your walk across the street on the trail. It’s paved, and pretty, with lots of wildlife and flowers. Several little bridges with gurgling streams flowing underneath are pleasant attractions. The Fondulac Administration Building has public restrooms and water.
Before you use walking as an exercise, there are a few tips to remember.
First, don’t eat solid food an hour before walking. Digesting takes a lot of energy away from the body.
You should avoid busy roads. Fresh air and green calming surroundings are more relaxing to the mind. Also, if you are taking more carbon dioxide than oxygen, you are harming your body.
Try to get in at least 30 minutes of walking everyday, and vary your routes so that you are not walking on flat ground.
Walking is not only good for your body, but good for your spirit.
Henry David Thoreau once said, "I come home to my solitary woodland walk as the homesick go home.”
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Ballad Of ANWR Drilling
Everyone agrees, the sticker shock at the gas pump has left us all a little dazed. I wince when I think that a single tank of gas costs more than my high school church camp. I saved up for that for months. It costs a fifth of my freshman semester tuition at ISU.
Intellectually I understand inflation and economic realities, but emotionally my eyes water.
All the conservative pundents have shared their solutions to our gas price blues, so I wasn’t surprised to hear them trot out their old chestnut of an answer to all our fuel problems. Everything will be better if only we would drill in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge.
I have to give them points for persistence.
Located in northeast Alaska, the Arctic Refuge is the biological heart of this untamed wilderness. It contains the greatest diversity of animal life of any conservation area in the circumpolar region. Often called the “American Serengeti” ANWR is the wildest place left in America. Numerous species depend on this fragile, unique ecosystem for survival.
As the Politicos babbled, I could hear the faint strains of banjo music in my head, and see all the happy oil executives standing around the “cement pond” talking about the “bubbling crude” and smiling about the prospect of even more record profits.
A song came to mind, of course accompanied by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs on their five string banjos. Please sing along to the tune of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett”, or otherwise known as the Beverly Hillbilly’s theme.
The Ballad Of ANWR Drilling
Come and listen to a story ‘bout a bunch of phonies,
rich oil men and their oilmen cronies.
With oil prices high, they resurrected their dream,
To drill the Artic refuge is the devious scheme.
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.
Well, first thing they do is mention oil on the air,
Life will be better if we get it out of there.
The democrats don’t love ya if they won’t let us drill.
Who cares about the ecosystem that we’ll kill.
Caribou that is, snow geese, polar bears.
Of course drilling won’t get started for quite a few years,
And it won’t actually help us dry our present tears,
And when we get it going who’ll share the news,
ANWR’s only 5% of our total use.
Not much that is, drop in a bucket, fools gold.
..........................................
And every time pro-drilling advocates lose another round, they just smile in their mansions and say, “We’ll all be back now, y’hear”.
Intellectually I understand inflation and economic realities, but emotionally my eyes water.
All the conservative pundents have shared their solutions to our gas price blues, so I wasn’t surprised to hear them trot out their old chestnut of an answer to all our fuel problems. Everything will be better if only we would drill in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge.
I have to give them points for persistence.
Located in northeast Alaska, the Arctic Refuge is the biological heart of this untamed wilderness. It contains the greatest diversity of animal life of any conservation area in the circumpolar region. Often called the “American Serengeti” ANWR is the wildest place left in America. Numerous species depend on this fragile, unique ecosystem for survival.
As the Politicos babbled, I could hear the faint strains of banjo music in my head, and see all the happy oil executives standing around the “cement pond” talking about the “bubbling crude” and smiling about the prospect of even more record profits.
A song came to mind, of course accompanied by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs on their five string banjos. Please sing along to the tune of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett”, or otherwise known as the Beverly Hillbilly’s theme.
The Ballad Of ANWR Drilling
Come and listen to a story ‘bout a bunch of phonies,
rich oil men and their oilmen cronies.
With oil prices high, they resurrected their dream,
To drill the Artic refuge is the devious scheme.
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.
Well, first thing they do is mention oil on the air,
Life will be better if we get it out of there.
The democrats don’t love ya if they won’t let us drill.
Who cares about the ecosystem that we’ll kill.
Caribou that is, snow geese, polar bears.
Of course drilling won’t get started for quite a few years,
And it won’t actually help us dry our present tears,
And when we get it going who’ll share the news,
ANWR’s only 5% of our total use.
Not much that is, drop in a bucket, fools gold.
..........................................
And every time pro-drilling advocates lose another round, they just smile in their mansions and say, “We’ll all be back now, y’hear”.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
CONFORMING THRU THE AGES
DATELINE: BETHLEHEM 2000 YEARS AGO
City officials responded to a disturbance today on the outskirts of town at the stable of a popular inn. It seems that a local homeowner’s association became incensed at the non-traditional lighting used by the stable’s occupants. A well placed source in the association was quoted as saying, “It doesn’t matter if they were temporary tenants or not, they should know and obey the conditions. That huge bright star above the barn was garish, not to mention an unapproved light, and the strange glow in the windows was disturbing to the surrounding residents. We have strict lighting regulations in this community and we can’t afford to allow nonconformist attitudes to prevail. It will lower our property values.”
More on this story as it unfolds.
DATELINE; GERMANY, 506 YEARS AGO
A local homeowner’s association today accused a prominent theologian of violations of their covenant by decorating for an unapproved holiday. An anonymous tipster observed Martin Luther dragging a fir tree into his home and setting it up by his front window.
Hans Schmidt, the association manager, said, “There may have been more than one violation in Mr. Luther’s actions. Not only did he decorate his home inappropriately, but he put candles on the tree and displayed it in his window in defiance of the Uniformity of Windows restrictions. Mr. Luther came into the community and wanted to step outside the rules. That’s a detriment to everyone.”
DATELINE: 20TH CENTURY
The government of Communist China has banned all Christmas decorations from public areas and private homes. A government spokesperson announced the ban saying, “If people want to live in community as comrades they need to conform to the rules. Non-conformity is a detriment to everyone.”
DATELINE: 2006 USA
A family faced numerous fines today from their homeowner’s association for displaying Christmas decorations on the windowsills of their front windows. The seasonal display violated the restrictions in the associations rule book regarding consistency in the appearance of the neighborhood’s windows.
A spokesperson from the association declined to comment on the case due to impending litigation, but stated that the uniform appearance of the windows and window dressings in the community was important to enhance the property values and foster feelings of community and safety.
Ah, you can’t beat the warm and fuzzy feeling of conformity. It’s far better than that pursuit of happiness and freedom of expression nonsense.
City officials responded to a disturbance today on the outskirts of town at the stable of a popular inn. It seems that a local homeowner’s association became incensed at the non-traditional lighting used by the stable’s occupants. A well placed source in the association was quoted as saying, “It doesn’t matter if they were temporary tenants or not, they should know and obey the conditions. That huge bright star above the barn was garish, not to mention an unapproved light, and the strange glow in the windows was disturbing to the surrounding residents. We have strict lighting regulations in this community and we can’t afford to allow nonconformist attitudes to prevail. It will lower our property values.”
More on this story as it unfolds.
DATELINE; GERMANY, 506 YEARS AGO
A local homeowner’s association today accused a prominent theologian of violations of their covenant by decorating for an unapproved holiday. An anonymous tipster observed Martin Luther dragging a fir tree into his home and setting it up by his front window.
Hans Schmidt, the association manager, said, “There may have been more than one violation in Mr. Luther’s actions. Not only did he decorate his home inappropriately, but he put candles on the tree and displayed it in his window in defiance of the Uniformity of Windows restrictions. Mr. Luther came into the community and wanted to step outside the rules. That’s a detriment to everyone.”
DATELINE: 20TH CENTURY
The government of Communist China has banned all Christmas decorations from public areas and private homes. A government spokesperson announced the ban saying, “If people want to live in community as comrades they need to conform to the rules. Non-conformity is a detriment to everyone.”
DATELINE: 2006 USA
A family faced numerous fines today from their homeowner’s association for displaying Christmas decorations on the windowsills of their front windows. The seasonal display violated the restrictions in the associations rule book regarding consistency in the appearance of the neighborhood’s windows.
A spokesperson from the association declined to comment on the case due to impending litigation, but stated that the uniform appearance of the windows and window dressings in the community was important to enhance the property values and foster feelings of community and safety.
Ah, you can’t beat the warm and fuzzy feeling of conformity. It’s far better than that pursuit of happiness and freedom of expression nonsense.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Reason For The Season
Thanksgiving is over, we’re still working on those leftovers, and the holidays have kicked into high gear. Of course, one might say they started before Halloween, and good old Santa slipped into the mall in early November, but now they’re here with a vengeance as shoppers line up at 3:00 AM to get bargains, and holiday commercials bombard us with their versions of the “Reason for the Season”.
I don’t want to sound like a female version of Andy Rooney, but I hate the commercials that try to make us believe that what ever it is they’re promoting is the answer to everyone’s happiness during this special time of year.
One commercial that makes my hackles rise every time I see it is the Illinois State Lottery Holiday Instant Ticket promotion. Mixed among the beautiful traditional seasonal images is the message that the holidays are all about giving and receiving lottery tickets. They actually say, “This is what it’s all about.” Then they tell us to, “Give the gift you hope they return.” Ick!
That annoys me on several levels.
They’re subliminally telling us that the sole reason for Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, take your pick, is about getting gifts by giving gifts. And coincidently, while we’re showing our love of family and friends by hoping they give us stuff, we can immerse ourselves in the spiritual experience of gambling with lottery tickets.
The “Box” store commercials try to convince us that the holidays are all about spending our money with them. Drop a load of cash at their store and our celebrations will be perfect.
There’s a band called “The Yoopers” from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the manic commercials from all the big “Box” stores reminds me of a song on one of their Christmas CDs. They sing, “We celebrate the Savior’s birth by spending all our dough.” Can everyone say, “Amen”?
Then there are the car commercials. Yeah, everyone I know gets cars for Christmas.
One has a choir singing “Hark How the Bells” using only the word Duh. I guess the point of that is that their vehicle is the obvious Christmas gifting choice.
Another luxury automotive brand suggests that you hurry down to your nearest dealer so that you can have the car decked out with bows in time for the holidays. That, of course, is the key to happiness this season.
Am I the only one that finds that a little pretentious?
I think I’ll try to find other reasons besides lottery tickets, cars, and loads of box store stuff as my answer to happiness his holiday season. I’ll start by pondering the real “Reason of the Season”. How about you?
I don’t want to sound like a female version of Andy Rooney, but I hate the commercials that try to make us believe that what ever it is they’re promoting is the answer to everyone’s happiness during this special time of year.
One commercial that makes my hackles rise every time I see it is the Illinois State Lottery Holiday Instant Ticket promotion. Mixed among the beautiful traditional seasonal images is the message that the holidays are all about giving and receiving lottery tickets. They actually say, “This is what it’s all about.” Then they tell us to, “Give the gift you hope they return.” Ick!
That annoys me on several levels.
They’re subliminally telling us that the sole reason for Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, take your pick, is about getting gifts by giving gifts. And coincidently, while we’re showing our love of family and friends by hoping they give us stuff, we can immerse ourselves in the spiritual experience of gambling with lottery tickets.
The “Box” store commercials try to convince us that the holidays are all about spending our money with them. Drop a load of cash at their store and our celebrations will be perfect.
There’s a band called “The Yoopers” from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the manic commercials from all the big “Box” stores reminds me of a song on one of their Christmas CDs. They sing, “We celebrate the Savior’s birth by spending all our dough.” Can everyone say, “Amen”?
Then there are the car commercials. Yeah, everyone I know gets cars for Christmas.
One has a choir singing “Hark How the Bells” using only the word Duh. I guess the point of that is that their vehicle is the obvious Christmas gifting choice.
Another luxury automotive brand suggests that you hurry down to your nearest dealer so that you can have the car decked out with bows in time for the holidays. That, of course, is the key to happiness this season.
Am I the only one that finds that a little pretentious?
I think I’ll try to find other reasons besides lottery tickets, cars, and loads of box store stuff as my answer to happiness his holiday season. I’ll start by pondering the real “Reason of the Season”. How about you?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
'Twas The day After Halloween
TWAS THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN
Twas the day after Halloween, when all through the town, not a pilgrim was stirring, none could be found.
The stockings were hung in the stores with care, in hopes that the public, their money would share.
Christmas decorations in greens and reds, caused visions of dancing dollars in corporate heads.
No Thanksgiving figures with cute pilgrim caps, but Carols blared at the shoppers, from Bach to Rap.
Cherry pickers labored at 6o degrees, to place giant snowflakes to swing in the breeze.
To the service window, I went to complain, as they looked at me with clear disdain.
The glow of the wreath upon the wall, made the manager’s nose look like a red ball.
I opened my mouth the scene to protest, “Where’s the pumpkins, turkeys, fall leaves, and the rest?”
“The cornucopias with gourds all aglow, and Native Americans with arrow and bow?”
“The grateful hands, folded in prayer, reminding us to thank Him for all of His care.”
“The cornstalks, and hay bales and tables a-groan, I think this is crazy, am I alone?”
The manager patted me upon my head, then lifted his arms, his fingers all spread.
“All this,” he cried, “gets folks in the mood, to spend their money on more than food.”
“As profits go, Thanksgiving’s a bust, unless it’s combined with commercialized lust.”
“The “Season of Peace” needs a jump start, to persuade the shoppers with their money to part.”
“Our fourth quarter profits depend on this scene, without drawn-out holidays, our year would look lean.”
He then winked his eye, and twisted his head. His maniacal laugh filled me with dread.
The carols grew louder, the Santas all danced, the reindeer and snowmen swirled as they pranced.
The red and green packages bounced in fake snow, the evergreens sparkled, their lights a bright glow.
And laying his finger aside of his cheek, out of the cubicle the manager streaked.
Through the store, he ran, this way and that, and I heard him exclaim as he put on his hat, “Happy Spending to all, so our profit’s not flat!”
Twas the day after Halloween, when all through the town, not a pilgrim was stirring, none could be found.
The stockings were hung in the stores with care, in hopes that the public, their money would share.
Christmas decorations in greens and reds, caused visions of dancing dollars in corporate heads.
No Thanksgiving figures with cute pilgrim caps, but Carols blared at the shoppers, from Bach to Rap.
Cherry pickers labored at 6o degrees, to place giant snowflakes to swing in the breeze.
To the service window, I went to complain, as they looked at me with clear disdain.
The glow of the wreath upon the wall, made the manager’s nose look like a red ball.
I opened my mouth the scene to protest, “Where’s the pumpkins, turkeys, fall leaves, and the rest?”
“The cornucopias with gourds all aglow, and Native Americans with arrow and bow?”
“The grateful hands, folded in prayer, reminding us to thank Him for all of His care.”
“The cornstalks, and hay bales and tables a-groan, I think this is crazy, am I alone?”
The manager patted me upon my head, then lifted his arms, his fingers all spread.
“All this,” he cried, “gets folks in the mood, to spend their money on more than food.”
“As profits go, Thanksgiving’s a bust, unless it’s combined with commercialized lust.”
“The “Season of Peace” needs a jump start, to persuade the shoppers with their money to part.”
“Our fourth quarter profits depend on this scene, without drawn-out holidays, our year would look lean.”
He then winked his eye, and twisted his head. His maniacal laugh filled me with dread.
The carols grew louder, the Santas all danced, the reindeer and snowmen swirled as they pranced.
The red and green packages bounced in fake snow, the evergreens sparkled, their lights a bright glow.
And laying his finger aside of his cheek, out of the cubicle the manager streaked.
Through the store, he ran, this way and that, and I heard him exclaim as he put on his hat, “Happy Spending to all, so our profit’s not flat!”
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Biking and Life
We just returned from “Up North”. The fall scenery, a kaleidoscope of colors, was awe-inspiring. The lakes in their many moods, the glorious sunrises and romantic sunsets, the eye popping shades of foliage from the magnificent trees to brush, wildflowers, and vines, the rock formations, and raging waterfalls; all combined together to imprint their beauty into our memories.
My husband and I enjoy biking, so took our bikes with us to take advantage of the fantastic bike trail system they have between the small towns where we stay.
We can leave our cabin on Big St. Germaine Lake by bike, and ride to the towns of St. Germaine, Sayner, or Boulder Junction. We can go to Crystal Lake for a picnic, Cathedral Point on Trout Lake, or many other stops on lovely lakes along the way.
If we want to load our bikes onto the car and drive, every town in that part of the Northwoods has a bike trail. The intent is to connect all the communities in the area by trail eventually, and they are well on their way.
Refreshingly different from our part of the world, is that “Up North” the municipalities, businesses, and homeowners support the trails and encourage them to pass through their area. There never seems to be brouhaha about trails going through citizen’s yards, or businesses not wanting the trail in front of their establishment.
Areas vie for the chance to have the trail in their towns. They have fundraisers to help with the trail expense, and they get government grants. A winery in Three Lakes sells a wine that if you purchase it, a certain amount of each purchase goes to build the local section of the trail. We road that trail this year and it was well worth it.
No one ever tried to keep the Bearskin Trail in Minocqua as a railroad track.
Alternatively, the businesses use the trails to their advantage, selling the outdoor enthusiasts food, drink, ice cream, and supplies along the way. They rent out equipment, sell gas, and tempt the trail users to visit the shops in their towns. It’s a win, win situation for them, and Central Illinois could learn a lot from their attitude.
The trail between our cabin and Sayner is very hilly. I strain to pedal up the hill, and then fly down the other side, wind hitting my face and whistling through my helmet. Sometimes I get enough momentum that my speed gets me half way up through the next rise.
I repeat the scenario, strain, and difficulty, and then joyous release as the biking gets much easier.
After riding fifteen miles one gorgeous afternoon, I started to think the whole biking experience was analogous to the ups and downs of life. We hit those mountains in life, we huff and puff, straining to get over the hump. Then when the situation peaks, and we fly, life is easy and going great. Suddenly another prominence looms ahead. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we have enough momentum to carry us up the hill, other times we struggle, but the important thing to remember is, eventually we all make it to the top and experience the joyous descent.
Enjoy this beautiful season, and here’s wishing you more coasting and less tough pedaling in the days to come.
My husband and I enjoy biking, so took our bikes with us to take advantage of the fantastic bike trail system they have between the small towns where we stay.
We can leave our cabin on Big St. Germaine Lake by bike, and ride to the towns of St. Germaine, Sayner, or Boulder Junction. We can go to Crystal Lake for a picnic, Cathedral Point on Trout Lake, or many other stops on lovely lakes along the way.
If we want to load our bikes onto the car and drive, every town in that part of the Northwoods has a bike trail. The intent is to connect all the communities in the area by trail eventually, and they are well on their way.
Refreshingly different from our part of the world, is that “Up North” the municipalities, businesses, and homeowners support the trails and encourage them to pass through their area. There never seems to be brouhaha about trails going through citizen’s yards, or businesses not wanting the trail in front of their establishment.
Areas vie for the chance to have the trail in their towns. They have fundraisers to help with the trail expense, and they get government grants. A winery in Three Lakes sells a wine that if you purchase it, a certain amount of each purchase goes to build the local section of the trail. We road that trail this year and it was well worth it.
No one ever tried to keep the Bearskin Trail in Minocqua as a railroad track.
Alternatively, the businesses use the trails to their advantage, selling the outdoor enthusiasts food, drink, ice cream, and supplies along the way. They rent out equipment, sell gas, and tempt the trail users to visit the shops in their towns. It’s a win, win situation for them, and Central Illinois could learn a lot from their attitude.
The trail between our cabin and Sayner is very hilly. I strain to pedal up the hill, and then fly down the other side, wind hitting my face and whistling through my helmet. Sometimes I get enough momentum that my speed gets me half way up through the next rise.
I repeat the scenario, strain, and difficulty, and then joyous release as the biking gets much easier.
After riding fifteen miles one gorgeous afternoon, I started to think the whole biking experience was analogous to the ups and downs of life. We hit those mountains in life, we huff and puff, straining to get over the hump. Then when the situation peaks, and we fly, life is easy and going great. Suddenly another prominence looms ahead. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we have enough momentum to carry us up the hill, other times we struggle, but the important thing to remember is, eventually we all make it to the top and experience the joyous descent.
Enjoy this beautiful season, and here’s wishing you more coasting and less tough pedaling in the days to come.
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