Sojourn Chronicles

There is a path nearby that runs along the edge of a ravine. It starts out near the road looking more like a gully, and within a short distance, it widens and deepens making it more than a stone’s throw across. That’s where its stream empties into the Little Miami River.

When I was a kid living on the edge of town, I would often take hikes into the woods. Exploring, I would discover cow paths, creeks and streams, and in May I would find wild morel mushrooms. Dad taught me how to find them. I found the wild blackberry patches on my own. With a bucket of fresh blackberries, mom could whip up a berry cobbler in no time. It was always delicious, especially when it was still warm and the ice cream would start to soften immediately upon making contact on the lightly browned crust, sparkling with sugar.

I was certain, in those days, that I would grow up to be a forest ranger. The closest I ever came to being a ranger was to take a walk in the woods.

Today, I still enjoy a walk in the woods. I often carry a camera to document the scenery, or to create images that might be used for an illustration.  I enjoy seeing a trio of butterflies or listening to the birds calling to each other. I love to sit on a stump or a fallen tree, quietly and motionless. In only a few minutes, the woods come alive with life.

I am going to do more hiking this year–more trails, more parks, longer hikes through the glory of the earth. I want to take more hikes for several reasons: I want to live a more healthy lifestyle. I want to appreciate the beauty of nature and find inspiration. I want to see it while it is still with us.

Earth Day is about many things, but for me, on this day, after a walk in the woods, it is about the effort to preserve our environment, our natural resources. I hope you found time to do something today for Earth Day.

DBrent