By Kristina Smith
I have always been in love with being outdoors since the earliest memories I can recall. With that said, I think my take on the pandemic will be different than most. I imagine those who have routinely enjoyed indoor activities such as swimming at the pool, working out at the gym, even walking at the mall have had to undergo major lifestyle changes with the lockdown and “Things will never be the same……….”
Growing up I had a rough childhood to say the least and my memories are like fog on the river. The exception to my remembrances were the minutes, hours, or days outdoors that will never be forgotten. There seems to be a perfect balance of peace, and beauty outside, always! I feel a familiarity with all the elements, animals and seasons of this wonderful place called earth. In fact, I would say that all my experiences were and are spiritual, having their own special energy. Perhaps it is the Native American in me that connects so easily with the outside, perhaps it is my past. Either way, “I Am Not Looking Back.” I always pause to inspect with intensity, everything growing, trickling, sparkling, signing, or slumbering in my surroundings and I wondered about all things unseen. “Every Footstep is a New Adventure.”
As I became an adult, the outdoors never lost their luster or enticement to me. In fact, I volunteer for cycling, running and club events that encouraged people to “Get Outside and Live More” I deeply enjoy the friendships that blossom from my volunteer work and the richness of these unforgettable relationships. As we trained, played, laughed, cried, and spent time outside we grew to be more than friends, like brothers and sisters really. There is nothing more deeply profound than pausing in the early crisp of a morning to hold back tears as you see pinks, purples, golds, and then blues illuminate the dark into light. There are no words to explain the feeling of accomplishment and awe when standing on a summit and surveying as far as the eye can see from a bird’s eye view. To share any or all these things with another person has no price tag. In fact, they are “Smiles for the Miles.”
When I find myself rushing and hustling at work, I remind myself “No Hurries or Worries” the outdoor and freedom is just around the corner. Thinking about my next adventure outside always puts a smile on my face in a song in my heart. I am careful in my monetary pursuits because one can be easy lured into the trap of working to many hours for a more prominent position or money, and “I Would Rather Do Things, Than Have Things!”
I found that when I am at home it is good to rest, be quiet, to meditate and enjoy a relaxing meal. While at home I do not let TV be the time suck, I know it to be, because “I Would Rather Live It Than Watch it on TV.” This blessed routine of exploring, learning, and sharing the wonders of our planet has been such an unbelievable gift. This gift, helped me heal, grow, and truly find myself. Because of this wonderful freedom I have such joy and contentment it is hard to express.
Earlier I had described to you the energy that a place or experience has. I came to find one uniquely beautiful and soul touching place, called Lost Lake. Lost Lake was the place I always go when I really want to feel at peace. I cannot explain it, except to say that in my mind Lost Lake was Holy Ground. When the pandemic hit more people were recreating outside and exploring new and faraway places, then most of them ever had prior. While this made me happy it also became my horror later. Not everyone marveled, loved, and appreciated these places, my town, our State, or the planet, the way I did. I learned, not everyone sees things with the same eyes and heart. Lost Lake is not public land, it is on private property. Although over the years the owners have welcomed visitors, they had never seen anything like what they experienced this past year. I felt blame for the abuse of Lost Lake due to me sharing my experiences and photos on social media. Many people would inquire as to where this amazing place was, and I would eagerly share it with them. I would always mention that it is private property, and it would be best if they would contact the owner prior to their visit. The visitors overcrowded the small pullout and parked on the road so no one could pass through. People left garbage and trash all over showing no regard for this beautiful place. Sadly, the landowners closed access to Lost Lake to all visitors and so the saying “One Person Ruined it for the Rest,” is true. I cannot tell you how heart broken I was. I took all my photos of Lost Lake and sent them along with a thank you letter to the owners in appreciation for their years of generosity in allowing me access this special place. To send them thanks after such a sour year of abuse by visitors was as they say, “A Dollar Late and a Day Short.” Now the saying “You Will Appreciate It When its Gone”, rung true. My final word to those of you venturing out to find your special experience, please treat the rivers, lakes, animals, towns, and states that you visit, as if they were your own backyard or home.
“Leave it Better Than you Find It.”