Tag Archives: nature

Lighting The Darkness

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I saw lightening bugs last night. Perhaps you call them fireflies where you live. Whatever you call them, they were prolific.

It had been a long day. A work function kept me out later than normal so I was over caffeinated and excited to kick off my shoes.

I live in very rural, forested area where people show affection by reminding you to watch out for deer. There’s a reason for that as we probably have more deer than people. I wasn’t looking forward to dodging them in the darkness and was excited to just be home.

And then it happened. A flash of gold in the darkness and then another and another and another until the entire landscape was illuminated by these tiny flying beetles.

They kept me company much of the way home and I was glad. It seems that I see fewer every year. Loss of habitat, light pollution, pavement, and short cut grass are all contributing factors to their decline.

I was reminded of catching them as a kid. I don’t recall wanting to keep them but did like catching them in cupped hands and then releasing them back into the night.

In a world that seems defined by so much loss these days, it was reassuring to see they’re still hanging on.

I appreciate the natural world and especially like things that shine a light into the darkness. Would a lightening bug prevent me from hitting a deer? No. But I sure did feel less alone in the darkness with them lighting the way.

Want to help lightening bugs (or fireflies) thrive in your backyard? This website has some great information. Maybe if enough of us try, we can keep them thriving for future generations to chase and enjoy.

A Saunter Through The Woods

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Naturalist John Muir hated the word hike. He famously said “I don’t like either the word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains—not hike!”

He believed that nature shouldn’t be treated as something needing conquering or to be endured. Instead he thought it should be experienced and approached reverently. Nature and the mountains in particular were a Holy Land to him and walking through them should be peaceful.

It should be a saunter.

And that’s exactly what I did today. I sauntered through Lake Katherine State Nature Preserve, stopping to admire tree bark, to watch squirrels scurry up their trees, and to admire tiny little wildflowers no bigger than the nail bed of a toddler’s pinky finger.

I ran my hand across many kinds of moss and admired the texture of rock walls that were here long before humans and will hopefully withstand us for many generations to come.

It was wonderful.

And despite going slow, I still worked in some nice cardio on the long uphill stretches. Here in Ohio, we tend to avoid the switchbacks seen in western outdoor spaces and send hikers straight up steep hills.

It will strengthen the heart, knees and lungs!

My hiking companions all seem happy going at their own pace so that makes it easier for those who need or wish to keep their own pace.

Since it was warm and humid I was quite happy going a little slower. All the same, it was a good day for a saunter and a good day to be outdoors.

I hope you made it out for a saunter too!

Silent Sunday: Lake Hope

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Into The Woods

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I finally made it back into the woods today. Our last hike was in April and the time before that is a fuzzy memory. Mind you, I live in the woods but this is different.

Hiking is different.

Stepping out of the grass and onto a trail softened by pine needles is different than the loud crunch of a stone driveway. Reaching out to touch the rough bark of a tree, eyes following the trunk as it reaches toward the sun is different than just glancing at the tree line of your yard while you carry in groceries. Closing your eyes to appreciate the texture of that bark beneath your fingertips generates strength and energy.

Listening to the sounds of the forest change as you follow a trail away from civilization is one of life’s gifts. The variety of birds, insects, bees and frogs chattering amongst themselves is unbelievable if you stop and really listen for it.

The aroma of honeysuckle mingled with decomposing wood and leaves ought to be bottled and sold because there’s nothing like it.

We need the textures and sounds, the beauty and smells of these places for our own mental health as much as the creatures who live in them need these spaces for their survival.

People who work to protect these public places are heroes in my story and those who aim to destroy them are the villains .

If you are like me and live in the woods, I hope you are actually doing something to enjoy the experience. There’s nothing like it and you will feel so much better. If you’re aren’t sure where to start, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County, Ohio is a good place to hit the trail!

Silent Sunday: Hocking Hills State Park

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Wait A Day If You Don’t Like The Weather

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It was fifty degrees and sunny on Saturday. On Sunday it was snowing with some fog. Yesterday we were under a Level One Snow Emergency with a high of about 25 degrees.

Don’t worry. It will be 43 and sunny again tomorrow and rainy and cool again Thursday.

Welcome to Ohio. Our weather will keep you guessing. It’s one of our state’s most charming qualities.

Meanwhile, I think I appreciate the snow more right now because I know there probably won’t be much more this season.

I know plenty of people who aren’t enjoying this at all but I’m thrilled. Besides, if you don’t like the weather right now, maybe you’ll like it better tomorrow!