tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91701792810042933892024-02-21T01:30:18.153-05:00Hiking AlongHiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-82632771385268792062013-06-05T22:31:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.750-04:00Redwood: A Student Poem<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iugy3kAvvQ1Kqsng88ryzkVzK_aibJHuAFjLPLcE-VNik-JS3rr43yrvLTBYmhzWtjadA3nEFf7Y9M8XjOCll5hBBItI68CdGuX5nz0BPQ6OEPIJN7afmCw54gtUfAGWboK-OH4fm3A/s1600/Up+to+Redwoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iugy3kAvvQ1Kqsng88ryzkVzK_aibJHuAFjLPLcE-VNik-JS3rr43yrvLTBYmhzWtjadA3nEFf7Y9M8XjOCll5hBBItI68CdGuX5nz0BPQ6OEPIJN7afmCw54gtUfAGWboK-OH4fm3A/s400/Up+to+Redwoods.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by mlewallpapers.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am blessed to have two passions in life: sharing the outdoors with kids and teaching middle school Science. I teach at a phenomenal school where staff are encouraged to use their creativity to its fullest. <a href="http://www.thesienaschool.org/" target="_blank">The Siena School</a> is a small private school for kids who have mild to moderate learning differences that are college bound.</span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> April is Poetry Month. Siena celebrates the student's creativity in poetic form across grade levels and cross-curricular. Recently, I listened to one of my student's read his poem "Redwood" in front of the school community. I was struck and awed by his ability to place himself in the perspective of the redwood in which to observe the world. Many adults find it difficult to see the world through another's eyes but he does it with ease and wisdom. I am always amazed when kids can share a piece of their sole with us. As adults, we need to remember to listen.</span></b></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Redwood</u></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By Andrew, 7th Grade </span></b></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go inside a redwood </span></b></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-70cf8339-1718-cca3-22c4-79b55f79ac92">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that would be my way. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I won't get trampled under foot like a sapling.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am huge and so old.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would be the giant of the forest. </span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continents have drifted in my life span.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mountains have formed, species have died. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While mountains rise and fall, while cities form,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would just watch and grow, a gentle giant. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even as fire and plumes of smoke destroy and kill,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would stand tall. My bark too thick and my being too mighty </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for the killing flames to claim. </span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Redwoods reach for the sun with such devotion </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that we grow taller than the rest</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our canopies high and our roots deep,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we would peacefully rule the forest wherever we chose to grow. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 21px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</b>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-22880746805111520332013-06-02T20:46:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.612-04:00Mother Daughter Adventures on the Appalachian Trail<span style="font-size: large;"> Over Memorial Day weekend, my daughter and I, in addition to a friend and her daughter, section hiked the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. We shared challenges and adventures and created memories that will last a life time. We learned that our daughters are strong, can persevere and meet many obstacles with smiles (yes, there were grumbles but usually when they were hungry!). We are so grateful to have shared this experience with them. And, we are so proud. We hope this will inspire many mothers and daughters to seek adventure on the trails together.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-43240907204585800432013-05-10T16:47:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.674-04:00Watershed Hero, Julie Lawson @srfrjulie: Reducing Litter Through Policy <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5yaXKS-wdm5JsYayInzkFhtCJbSYdtZkOQH55xOCu9oWxTz4N_i2-e_UTiGlrfZOmHaTORzsUn6Ej9xFCa6M5JV9BC5UAlhF7lRucvwgrpoRjsA5TRAs_wsxTFkUrEOaHfs__1Jgh4A/s1600/book+cover+high+resolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5yaXKS-wdm5JsYayInzkFhtCJbSYdtZkOQH55xOCu9oWxTz4N_i2-e_UTiGlrfZOmHaTORzsUn6Ej9xFCa6M5JV9BC5UAlhF7lRucvwgrpoRjsA5TRAs_wsxTFkUrEOaHfs__1Jgh4A/s200/book+cover+high+resolution.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> In the spirit of Alima, the watershed hero in <i><a href="http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781625103918" target="_blank">Watershed Adventures of a Water Bottle</a></i>, I will highlight the heroic activities of one person who is making a difference to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One voice, activism and motivation can inspire us all to make a positive impact in our local and global world.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>What is the Trash Free Maryland Alliance?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The <a href="http://www.trashfreemaryland.org/" target="_blank">Trash Free Maryland Alliance</a> is a group of
environmental organizations, community groups and individuals committed to
reducing trash in Maryland’s environment and waterways. Brent Bolin, Laura
Chamberlin, and Julie Lawson founded it in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>How have you helped your community?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I have educated people through presentations
and conversations about trash in their neighborhoods and communities, how it
gets there and that they have the power to do something about it. I help them
with the strategies to engage and enact, such as formulating articulate
arguments to engage in conversations with their neighbors, friends and elected
officials and write letters to the editor. It is empowering to see their name
in printed journalism. During my conversations with people in community groups,
I listen and hear them stewing over how much trash bothers them in their
neighborhoods but they often explain they don’t have the confidence or specific
language to confront and challenge the source of trash. I help them create that
elevator speech or conversation starter to feel confident and proactive to
combat littering in their communities.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi-Eg2vpCuPpP3MQZR-L3hHgeKyqUwdBmCbNVxQ1oqKnoNQhdwHuIuofNsZMR2t1pCcXyrdKLNEFFH8cfr_zlH0H3d3iRX_E0sIye720Ub1JUPgAWg_hB6HHOP9Aeya0hq99K8rdh9i8/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi-Eg2vpCuPpP3MQZR-L3hHgeKyqUwdBmCbNVxQ1oqKnoNQhdwHuIuofNsZMR2t1pCcXyrdKLNEFFH8cfr_zlH0H3d3iRX_E0sIye720Ub1JUPgAWg_hB6HHOP9Aeya0hq99K8rdh9i8/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>What have you accomplished?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In 2009, I developed and led the grassroots
campaign to pass the DC bag bill, entitled the <a href="http://green.dc.gov/publication/anacostia-river-clean-and-protection-act-2009" target="_blank">Anacostia River Cleanup andProtection Act</a>. Much of the campaign to pass the DC bill was then modeled in
<a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/bag/" target="_blank">Montgomery County</a> to pass its bag bill. Since 2010, I have been working with
organizations from around MD to pass a state bag bill. Each year, the coalition
gains more success toward its passage. During the 2013 legislative session, the
House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee passed the legislation with
a 17-4 vote. The bill never made it to the House floor because it was defeated
in the House Economic Matters Committee. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>What are your goals for the future?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I would like to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reduce plastic bag consumption</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eliminate the use of Styrofoam</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Increase recycling of bottles and cans</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pass the MD bag bill</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pass a MD bottle bill (legislation for a bottle
return refund)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Raise the profile that trash is a quality of
life issue, not just a problem in our waterways (I have already witnessed
positive press and more legislation introduced regarding trash in our
communities, such as legislation to impose a $500 fine for stealing shopping
carts)</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtrtkyl97iIR74T6d7ZGXM3DzbkFO4Ip9LjwJkRxGDvQbH87_25akhiBS5UVAbe4IpnLkhNCb-24JP8pKGFG0eyhdVjDVoe3PPePg404lyWvtgdEFebJyb7sFqzc6RXzK1Xtjm0R3uk4/s1600/IMAG1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtrtkyl97iIR74T6d7ZGXM3DzbkFO4Ip9LjwJkRxGDvQbH87_25akhiBS5UVAbe4IpnLkhNCb-24JP8pKGFG0eyhdVjDVoe3PPePg404lyWvtgdEFebJyb7sFqzc6RXzK1Xtjm0R3uk4/s400/IMAG1190.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Who inspires you?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">My
dad inspires me. He taught me at a young age to leave things better than I
found them and modeled that standing up for what I believe in is important for
forward and positive progression and solutions in a community. He was a
community activist in my hometown in Florida and always took action on issues
that were important to him. He also was a Marine Biologist who worked to rescue
and rehabilitate marine mammals.</span><!--EndFragment-->
Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-24645575045739297572013-04-06T15:45:00.001-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.615-04:00Watershed Hero: Nathan Harrington, DC Teacher and Community Activist<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-Po1IEEH-N4UdbDgoG4ORcDIJp6wBnHeDvBrMZUVK2yFSPytO2xHI8fsLV4HDs_hSUNyvSCM5NaFc57flsmkRK3CN6R0ag9ai0K0NniJn_E3rKfG7pIuztefMF734AMom2VASzyKFLw/s1600/book+cover+high+resolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-Po1IEEH-N4UdbDgoG4ORcDIJp6wBnHeDvBrMZUVK2yFSPytO2xHI8fsLV4HDs_hSUNyvSCM5NaFc57flsmkRK3CN6R0ag9ai0K0NniJn_E3rKfG7pIuztefMF734AMom2VASzyKFLw/s200/book+cover+high+resolution.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In the spirit of Alima, the watershed hero in <i><a href="http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781625103918" target="_blank">Watershed Adventures of a Water Bottle</a></i>, I will highlight the heroic activities of one person who is making a difference to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. One voice, activism and motivation can inspire us all to make a positive impact in our local and global world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AT2vbKeyblOCHHPtW04GdQmXzi6SHV1tZQerli94dlMiJpl792CT4RL-xOacRbH6CwaNcLm4M_VugWgdQdbe0efoiaPxYHViDua7SHuHU17PEdXkq0F_hWDZp0LRD8ps_QVCW1xiwGI/s1600/download12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkujqkYnLa6gWJilq32ICtUUY2BWFlA7iizi7pTp2xdXZPcZjIg49A7rjCEnihUEWlNnp5qSa0t9-BbSip3f9B98StOHhZB-n9oN65vSVFiexezRhNK6Z5rIqk7TypZEjfyo3YmGA4e5Y/s1600/Februrary+2012+Clean-Up+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkujqkYnLa6gWJilq32ICtUUY2BWFlA7iizi7pTp2xdXZPcZjIg49A7rjCEnihUEWlNnp5qSa0t9-BbSip3f9B98StOHhZB-n9oN65vSVFiexezRhNK6Z5rIqk7TypZEjfyo3YmGA4e5Y/s640/Februrary+2012+Clean-Up+004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>What is the <a href="http://shepherdparkway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shepherd Parkway Community clean-up</a>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Shepherd Parkway is a neighborhood in the
Congress Heights community. This neighborhood is adjacent to the northern
section of 205 acres of National Park land in Washington DC that runs along
Interstate 295. The National Park Service acquired it in the 1920’s to protect
the Potomac River, the wetlands in its floodplain and two Civil War forts, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cwdw/index.htm" target="_blank">Fort Carroll</a> and <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cwdw/historyculture/upload/1865%20Historic-2.pdf" target="_blank">Fort Greble</a> that sit upon the ridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Shepherd Parkway Community clean-up started in 2010. Since then, the Shepherd Parkway Committee, part of
the Congress Heights Community Association, has held 15 clean-ups. We will
have <a href="http://shepherdparkway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">6 more</a> this year. Volunteers are removing trash and invasive species, in particular
English Ivy that is strangling the 100-year old tree canopy. Since 2010, we have focused our efforts on 30 acres in the northern section of the National Park,
between St. Elizabeth’s hospital and Malcolm X Avenue. Our goal is to finish
this section by the end of 2013, then clean-up south of Malcolm X Avenue to South
Capitol Street. The ultimate goal is to remove trash and invasive plants like
English Ivy and Kudzu from all 205 acres and build a 3-mile hiking trail from
LeBaum Street to Oxon Cove and Oxon Run Parks in Maryland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>How have you helped your community?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I love that DC has large
tracts of parkland; a lot of which is east of the Anacostia River. When hiking
and exploring DC’s parks, I noticed the huge discrepancy between the
recreational opportunities, such as trails, and the management of the parks west
of the Anacostia versus east of the river.
A majority of these parks have been covered in trash for years, creating
a barrier for residents to recreate in their local green spaces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> After moving into the neighborhood, I began cleaning-up the trash on my own. I also attended community meetings to learn what bothered residents about their parkland. The resounding voices stated trash.
Therefore, I was asked to co-chair the Shepherd Parkway Committee to lead the
effort to clean-up the National Park land in the Congress Heights community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Hundreds of volunteers from DC, the US and Canada have removed 80% of
the garbage in between Malcolm X Avenue and St. Elizabeth Hospital, in addition to all of the
English Ivy. The Shepherd Parkway committee has partnered with organizations, such as the Luther Place Memorial Church’s <a href="http://www.lutherplace.org/steinbruckcenter/index.html" target="_blank">Steinbruck Center on Urban Studies</a>, the DC chapter of the <a href="http://dc.sierraclub.org/" target="_blank">Sierra Club</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonparks.net/" target="_blank">Washington Parks and People</a> and <a href="http://www.patc.net/" target="_blank">Potomac Appalachian Trail Club</a>. While many young and old from around DC
have volunteered, my goal is to engage more residents from the Congress
Heights community.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AT2vbKeyblOCHHPtW04GdQmXzi6SHV1tZQerli94dlMiJpl792CT4RL-xOacRbH6CwaNcLm4M_VugWgdQdbe0efoiaPxYHViDua7SHuHU17PEdXkq0F_hWDZp0LRD8ps_QVCW1xiwGI/s1600/download12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AT2vbKeyblOCHHPtW04GdQmXzi6SHV1tZQerli94dlMiJpl792CT4RL-xOacRbH6CwaNcLm4M_VugWgdQdbe0efoiaPxYHViDua7SHuHU17PEdXkq0F_hWDZp0LRD8ps_QVCW1xiwGI/s640/download12.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>What inspired you to start the project?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I was inspired to start this
project by the work that Washington Parks and People has done to restore two
major parks, <a href="http://www.washingtonparks.net/" target="_blank">Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park</a> and Watts Branch/Marvin Gaye Park.
Both parks were grossly neglected and riddled with crime. Now they are central
to the life and recreation of both communities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> While
studying to become a licensed DC tour guide, I became inspired by the history
and beauty of the architecture and natural landscapes in Washington. I want to help bring back that natural beauty to the parks east of the Anacostia
River.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span>Who inspired you to be a watershed hero?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have been inspired by some of my neighbors who have removed trash from parkland
across from or adjacent to their homes. In addition, I am deeply inspired
by Phillip Pannell, a longtime community leader in DC’s Ward 8. Pannel has been
President of the Congress Heights Community Association for many years. He has
championed issues such as environmental justice, gay rights and school
improvement in Anacostia. Phillip is a shining example that one voice can make
a difference. He inspires me to be another voice making a difference in
Shepherd Parkway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nathan's voice, activism and motivation make him a watershed hero</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-8139310467879828832013-03-30T13:58:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.747-04:00Archeology of Trash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeYs8gtX_hafXD0wFppdHaG-Vap81yuCGOtznzouAAjF4f9RBkcWAyUGxEoowMVhV97kFSNSaFviSwBDylllf63BqPR2pE58JloSxoPNViafDVliehX4n82ba-sFXw_gquWov04gUezw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeYs8gtX_hafXD0wFppdHaG-Vap81yuCGOtznzouAAjF4f9RBkcWAyUGxEoowMVhV97kFSNSaFviSwBDylllf63BqPR2pE58JloSxoPNViafDVliehX4n82ba-sFXw_gquWov04gUezw/s400/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Archeology connects the dots to tell a story of past cultures and unearthed histories. Does litter have a history? Does it uncover a mystery behind a culture? For the past year, residents in and out of DC's <a href="http://shepherdparkway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shepherd Parkway</a> have gathered off Malcom X Boulevard to rid National Park land from years of neglect due to dumping. Last Saturday, under blue skies and brisk temperatures I joined the clean-up party for the second time along with more than a hundred of my brothers and sisters, young and old. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We sifted our fingers through dirt to free the forest from drowning in layers of litter, exhuming decades of dumping. As my feet gripped the steep ravine, my hands pulled, brushed, scooped, sifted and grabbed uncommon and common litter such as, straws, chips bags, soda cans and bottles, styrofoam food containers and lots of plastic bags. Some bags were still in tack holding contents but most were shreds of plastic ensnared in tree root hairs strangling them from the rich nutrients of the loamy soil. As I collected uncommon litter, such as silverware, I wondered about the stories of the people who owned these items.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSakPdukXDo7cHfVYFhXMiXvJDTRiCNfdUgtyyplIN2Yi4dUJ6skZRuYZaqBaoX5hHhLqLd7UAO5WF09sYb50ilduhM_DI1j5iQOELHUl1XO9GFIf4IKQdzJCvbn0Cbt9lRNiV_B15DY/s1600/IMG_3658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSakPdukXDo7cHfVYFhXMiXvJDTRiCNfdUgtyyplIN2Yi4dUJ6skZRuYZaqBaoX5hHhLqLd7UAO5WF09sYb50ilduhM_DI1j5iQOELHUl1XO9GFIf4IKQdzJCvbn0Cbt9lRNiV_B15DY/s400/IMG_3658.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Towering old tires</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-14891981950793803022013-02-16T23:30:00.002-05:002017-06-02T17:34:06.587-04:00My Love Letter to NatureDear Nature,<br />
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I should have written you this letter for Valentine's Day but I don't believe in this Hallmark holiday. Rather, I believe in showing you my love as often as I can through my stewardship and showing you off to as many kids as I can take into your sanctuary.<br />
I didn't know you as a kid. My daddy loved you but I couldn't get past your many bugs and my fear of your snakes. So I didn't get to experience you like so many other children did in the 70 and 80s. They came home from school and ran free in the fields near the school or built forts in the woods behind the town water tank.<br />
I discovered you through the eyes of my students: watching their carefree minds and bodies explore and question you, seeing their smiles of happiness, witnessing their burgeoning relationship with you because they have discovered you are not that scary after all and observing their self-esteem rise even if for but a short period of time. Through their eyes, I discovered your inspiration to learn that you offer endless possibilities to explore your sanctuary.Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-87761539431806491612013-02-06T10:22:00.000-05:002017-06-02T17:34:06.760-04:00Why Hike as a Family?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEju2UP3yetiVEKCIElGZgKB-fc8h44NvrVw7KwQAuqwYPOiuLdbYIZGP9u8XFeRfiDmJsJdOBlNIn-jP9F2FIAgJNfCLfFAawjE_Y7IDim3wVZPzSuVawPxCV4MGPZwVgv2uf8CQID8/s1600/IMG_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEju2UP3yetiVEKCIElGZgKB-fc8h44NvrVw7KwQAuqwYPOiuLdbYIZGP9u8XFeRfiDmJsJdOBlNIn-jP9F2FIAgJNfCLfFAawjE_Y7IDim3wVZPzSuVawPxCV4MGPZwVgv2uf8CQID8/s400/IMG_2881.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graves Mill Trail, SNP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIs83S9tUrm7oK2T6oS-8HI1vsi1Qs5r50NgTR1euFBydw4kQYm299PtWF85rKanpkRzucnMNU8e70T5nlKg5gCboyGOSv-KYn4Uje2Hoh8-vyg_kb-_BTrcOoRet4I2S60F6MCesdCY/s1600/IMG_3043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIs83S9tUrm7oK2T6oS-8HI1vsi1Qs5r50NgTR1euFBydw4kQYm299PtWF85rKanpkRzucnMNU8e70T5nlKg5gCboyGOSv-KYn4Uje2Hoh8-vyg_kb-_BTrcOoRet4I2S60F6MCesdCY/s400/IMG_3043.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AT to Annapolis Rocks</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are my top five reasons why all families should hike:</span></h3>
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<ol>
<li>Hiking allows families to spend quality time together away from the responsibilities and distractions of home. Nature provides a relaxed environment where families can share meaningful conversations.</li>
<li>Hiking enables parents to play and be carefree with their children on the trail, allowing kids to see a sillier and relaxed side of their mom and dad.</li>
<li>Hiking in nature instilles curiosity and creativity in children and provides many teachable moments. Creativity leads to the development and implementation of ideas that help children navigate the world, locally and globally.</li>
<li>Hiking is healthy. A combination of hiking and being in nature provides physical, mental and emotional benefits for parents and children.</li>
<li>Hiking is low cost and easily accessible. It's simple; put on a pair of shoes and head to the nearest trail, usually in a local park.</li>
</ol>
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Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-90368386536783051872013-01-26T13:16:00.000-05:002017-06-02T17:34:06.769-04:00The Meaning of My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.oprah.com/images/201001/omag/201001-omag-book-rubin-220x312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://static.oprah.com/images/201001/omag/201001-omag-book-rubin-220x312.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We all have a desire to understand the meaning of our lives and why we are here on Earth; whether we ponder it occasionally or are on a quest. This month my book group read <u><a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/" target="_blank">The Happiness Project</a></u> by Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen writes about her year long quest to set and follow a series of resolutions to find more happiness, "to change her life without changing it". While I applaud her for fulfilling her quest, I don't agree with her method. Many of her resolutions were about improving her relationships with family, friends and people, while others were about broadening her "self". From my perspective, it often felt forced and unnatural. I found myself asking "why?" many times. After all, it was her life and not mine; I was just a voyeur. However, she helped me think about a few things, like my own "Twelve Commandments". Things I know to be true about living my life. I had never thought about these subconscious principles but they flashed like photographs at different times over the last month. I came up with ten.</span></h3>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No complaining; only solutions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perseverance and hard work pay off.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't change people; I am the only change agent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being good at what I do requires a desire to learn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Challenge creates nervousness but adrenaline and exhilaration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just do it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to do everything but it often creates stress; therefore, I must choose.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The glass <u>is</u> half full.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What you give is what you get.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's easy to be distracted and hard to remain focused.</span></li>
</ol>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1Yq4KyY4wlU65DRafPjZmXLGkoPK0rdVmkbvyXgGD_WmzIumzlk62iOhX5lNFuCPvVy2j2gNRn89TiUs0mVWBgy3TgC3o4YPKqaI2qt6VIVeJ4ZHCKJqly0MJMs01d3_HtlB0Sex9As/s1600/IMG_3336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1Yq4KyY4wlU65DRafPjZmXLGkoPK0rdVmkbvyXgGD_WmzIumzlk62iOhX5lNFuCPvVy2j2gNRn89TiUs0mVWBgy3TgC3o4YPKqaI2qt6VIVeJ4ZHCKJqly0MJMs01d3_HtlB0Sex9As/s320/IMG_3336.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The subject of happiness became a theme this month; not intentionally but I noticed a <a href="http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2013-01-03/sonja-lyubomirsky-myths-happiness" target="_blank">Diane Rehm podcast</a> of her recent interview with Sonja Lyubomirsky about her book <u>The Myth of Happiness</u> and a January article in <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/theres-more-to-life-than-being-happy/266805/" target="_blank">The Atlantic</a> entitled "There is More to Life Than Being Happy." This article in particular made me think more critically about The Happiness Project and happiness' role in my life. The article compares and contrasts seeking happiness as an American cultural "meism" to developing meaning and purpose that "transcends and endues" ones lifetime. Meaning enables happiness. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know my purpose - a teacher and a mother. This is why I am present on Earth and which gives my life meaning. I am here to model, guide and facilitate my students and children to discover, question and engage with the natural world, to help them create a relationship with nature and to encourage their stewardship of the environment. This is my passion. This is what sustains me. This is my purpose. This is my happiness.</span></h3>
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<br />Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-70769341687954933052013-01-16T21:35:00.000-05:002017-06-02T17:34:06.712-04:00Questions to Ask When Planning a National Park Vacation<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpLyKVFIGLzkLKHR6BMqUPc6qY_VxS5uA3WUjYG81UEwD69S4TMFYmP-98BcXWMpmMPe9zNSTWawdpQTaRC7mqVMTaIGFgU3l51E8exh-Zs8-xCqxO5PsIlcZW7_8twtyJfO9G9BggOo/s1600/dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpLyKVFIGLzkLKHR6BMqUPc6qY_VxS5uA3WUjYG81UEwD69S4TMFYmP-98BcXWMpmMPe9zNSTWawdpQTaRC7mqVMTaIGFgU3l51E8exh-Zs8-xCqxO5PsIlcZW7_8twtyJfO9G9BggOo/s400/dunes.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Sand Dunes NP</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I have mentioned a few times in my blog that one of my lifetime goals is to visit at least one new national park each year with my children. I started this goal three years ago when my kids were nine and five. At five years old, my son had stopped napping, could sustain attention, had a lot of energy and could do more outdoor activities without constant adult intervention (like being carried in a backpack while hiking). Each year, I choose a new park or two and amp up the adventure scale. In 2010, we played on the sand dunes in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm" target="_blank">Great Sand Dunes National Park</a>; in 2011, we camped, rock scrambled, hiked and biked in <a href="http://hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2011/08/camping-in-rain.html" target="_blank">Acadia National Park</a>; and last summer, we camped, kayaked, rafted and did long hikes in <a href="http://hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2012/07/wildlife-wonders-in-yellowstone-and.html" target="_blank">Yellowstone</a> and <a href="http://hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2012/07/top-5-family-adventures-in-yellowstone.html" target="_blank">Grand Teton National Parks</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> It's winter; tis the season to be thinking about the opposite season, summer, and planning our family's next national park adventure. This year, we are road tripping to camp in Sleeping Dunes and Isle of Royale National Parks in Michigan. So as I begin my internet search for information to formulate a plan, I thought I would develop a list of questions that I need answered.</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is the travel distance from home to each destination?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do we get to each destination? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is the cost of getting there? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is the transportation schedule?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How long does it take?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is the park entrance fee?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How many campgrounds does the park have?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where are the campgrounds located?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How does the location of the campgrounds compare to the proximity of activities available in the park?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is the cost of a campsite?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is there a minimum night stay?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do I reserve a campsite? First-come, first-serve?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If first-come, first-serve, how fast do the campgrounds fill?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What facilities are offered at the campgrounds: flush toilets, pit toilets, showers, water pumps, firewood, tent pad, picnic table, fire ring and bear boxes?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where is the closest store for food and supplies?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What activities are available in the park: boat rentals (kayak, canoe, row, small motor), fishing, outfitters, horseback riding, tours, ranger programs, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, hiking, backpacking and swimming?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do I obtain a backcountry permit to backpack?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are the bear regulations? Can I rent a bear canister ?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where do I buy camping fuel?</span></li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL8BHXjSb82MaiwlixzBJ-eJZwI-UHOA9uQdx6UQ-mGu0TQdChSbrjQOhTn9NOu-fiCcDLA-ECy7xU6mSIPwbwwMDM6-UxB3ShFMFJKM1qvJU73itDWy6snBguyUW53GlEStDjRKEGqc/s1600/IMG_2136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL8BHXjSb82MaiwlixzBJ-eJZwI-UHOA9uQdx6UQ-mGu0TQdChSbrjQOhTn9NOu-fiCcDLA-ECy7xU6mSIPwbwwMDM6-UxB3ShFMFJKM1qvJU73itDWy6snBguyUW53GlEStDjRKEGqc/s400/IMG_2136.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grand Teton NP</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are the campfire regulations?</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Of course these are general questions. Depending on your destination, you will develop more specific questions related to your family's needs and goals. Planning though is necessary to ensure your family's safety during its outdoor adventures, to decrease your impact on the natural environment and to increase the fun-factor for your family vacation.</span><br />
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Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-30159143620421163612012-11-15T09:48:00.001-05:002017-06-02T17:34:06.636-04:00Thanksgiving Traditions: Establishing New Ones on Trails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5cvr75OAuPLePCVVOSH1_ct30bfVImowwWKfc1bP71K_-rKZTl1lLetIOQE0m0NiCeCM2i5kRgAvA9euFO1QScBFqP5b6-B_VMFRyvPYx1WLQo8_3wffr4lliNZh6gJqn8U_7bjqmm4/s1600/IMG_2065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5cvr75OAuPLePCVVOSH1_ct30bfVImowwWKfc1bP71K_-rKZTl1lLetIOQE0m0NiCeCM2i5kRgAvA9euFO1QScBFqP5b6-B_VMFRyvPYx1WLQo8_3wffr4lliNZh6gJqn8U_7bjqmm4/s640/IMG_2065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
Thanksgiving oozes family tradition - going to grandma's house, volunteering at a soup kitchen, making the passed-down family recipe, watching football or the parades in PJ's or taking a hike. After years of wrangling with traffic in the the northeast, my husband and I decided, no more, enough was enough of the exhausting eleven hour stop-and-go traffic and decided to stay put at home. Thus, it gave us the opportunity to establish our own traditions and invite others to join us.<br /> Whether it is cold, rainy or the most beautiful azure skies, we take a hike. We stuff the turkey to capacity, stick it in the oven, put on our hiking boots and venture close to one of the many trails the DC region has to offer. The trails are quiet and peaceful because so many have escaped the political hub to find rest and relaxation. Instead, we retreat to a trail to celebrate each other, our family unit, the bounty in our lives and the ability to adventure together in the great outdoors. Besides sitting down to gorge on a tasty meal and share our gratitude, hiking as a family on Thanksgiving allows us to relish each other and just be.<br /> What traditions are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving?</h3>
Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-71037257614378249422012-10-30T14:56:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.717-04:00Celebrating our Outdoor Selves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Fyhd9yC63E9IgovjY7nkFzFoo752sKqjbOgoi-6wSfDPq9fIlu7ojdpTW_eOnaC9EkN8wbH0rc_kw_XBffvr3r92lpv5mCppguoiXj7kL8-tHeXDKmju2QR2qhtdLhk9lU7uQM52J2h/s1600/UPcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Fyhd9yC63E9IgovjY7nkFzFoo752sKqjbOgoi-6wSfDPq9fIlu7ojdpTW_eOnaC9EkN8wbH0rc_kw_XBffvr3r92lpv5mCppguoiXj7kL8-tHeXDKmju2QR2qhtdLhk9lU7uQM52J2h/s320/UPcover.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<h3>
A theme that continually popped in my head when reading the last 100 pages of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Up-Mother-Daughters-Peakbagging-Adventure/dp/030795207X/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351622708&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Up%3A+A+mother+and+daughters+peak+bagging+experience" target="_blank">"Up: A Mother and Daughter's Peakbagging Experience"</a> by Patricia Ellis Herr was her humble nature to praise her daughter Alex and not herself. Patricia leads her daughter on a journey to peak bag the <a href="http://www.amc4000footer.org/" target="_blank">forty-eight 4,000 foot White Mountains</a> when Alex is age five and six. Yes, Alex is a unique child to one, want to do this but second, follow through to completion. I would like to praise her mom though. Patricia does not give herself a high five in the book for one, seeing and acknowledging Alex's desire to summit all 4,000 foot peaks in the Whites; second, learning the art of hiking in the Whites; third, leading her daughter safely up each peak; and fourth, acknowledging her own desire to summit all 48 and then completing this achievement. It struck me that throughout the book, she continually wrote, intentionally and inferentially, how much of this adventure was her daughter's and not her own. At the end of the book, she finally acknowledges her own accomplishment and admits that she selfishly invested in this adventure for herself and not just for Alex. Why at the end of the book? Why only one sentence about it?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL2XSkP7EPsScmHCYzDnQihUo7YLK9ERiyO-fD9Fz_zywQ5tfZJZ6HL_yV69iYFchyXx7EjvyhZiL8dt6O4yG1aPkXUsMICp7me-RjHlU-ja-imLWAjWBzlf_0tjH0vnCKUd5NUcv3fsg/s1600/Brothers+and+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL2XSkP7EPsScmHCYzDnQihUo7YLK9ERiyO-fD9Fz_zywQ5tfZJZ6HL_yV69iYFchyXx7EjvyhZiL8dt6O4yG1aPkXUsMICp7me-RjHlU-ja-imLWAjWBzlf_0tjH0vnCKUd5NUcv3fsg/s320/Brothers+and+Me.jpg" width="212" /></a> Mothers are nurturers. We are giving: of ourselves, our time and our energy. Our giving is unconditional. Often receiving (and sometimes wanting) nothing in return; except for maybe love. This is the theme of another recent book I read, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Me-Memoir-Loving-Giving/dp/0316021849/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351622821&sr=1-1&keywords=Brothers+and+me" target="_blank">Brothers and Me</a> by Donna Britt. She chronicles her life of giving: to her brothers, her husbands and her children. It isn't until the end of the book that she realizes giving is selfish - in a good way. Giving is purposeful, even if done subconsciously, because it allows the giver to feel good about herself. Donna acknowledges and gives her readers permission to feel okay for selfishly giving to others, whether to their family, friends or community. This was my own revelation about myself when reading <u>Brothers and Me</u> which allowed me to read Ellis's book with a new set of lenses.<br /> Patricia gave unconditionally to her daughter's peakbagging adventure. As she explains in her book, she wants to foster and not inhibit her daughters' passions and desires for exploration. Her story is an example of how mothers give consciously and subconsciously to help their children fulfill their dreams and aspirations. Patricia deserves a high five for being a giver but also for finally acknowledging her accomplishment, even if it was brief and at the end of the book. Most importantly, I celebrate her because she selfishly had a vision to climb all forty-eight, 4,000 foot peaks in the White Mountains with her daughter. She implemented her vision and accomplishment it. Yes, Alex did it and that is amazing. However, Alex couldn't have done it without her mom. In her story, Patricia exemplifies a mother with a strong mind, body and spirit that made choices to adventure and accomplish. I celebrate her!</h3>
Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-42873212583449669532012-10-18T22:51:00.001-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.671-04:00Turning First-Timers into Campers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvYBL0HleCDtsafPek2l0CFbGTdZUDpQSC3QMJXCK3GWH3klRD9nUlbf7qm6YvfbbXwgF95-CAPWrSB9l_0hgHfpyM8wmA9Br_m-ma3u4tX6K_IFWTW6izWAa8NkaP_zPePGxuhikyxQ/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvYBL0HleCDtsafPek2l0CFbGTdZUDpQSC3QMJXCK3GWH3klRD9nUlbf7qm6YvfbbXwgF95-CAPWrSB9l_0hgHfpyM8wmA9Br_m-ma3u4tX6K_IFWTW6izWAa8NkaP_zPePGxuhikyxQ/s320/IMG_2811.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from rocks at Bear's Den</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
For more than five years, I've had amazing opportunities to lead high school students on camping or backpacking trips. With each adventure, students fall into two groups: experienced and first-time campers. The experienced students can't wait to go and the first-timers have a million questions and fears. I answer their questions and fears, arming them with knowledge, strategies and my optimism that they will have a great time. Not to boast my record but I am zero for I can't count the number of students I have led camping that have not had a positive experience, leaving them wanting more.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijphMilGZSl3usCf3Eiq7jows4qPue6RSUCAZG9LX0adi81ke9lgxU_poO2sGeqLhZ7t9fJm_gHUrRC34PwpMjqF0FahVo_ugTEJ4oBxN4hvROXWEKtuB4gA0JIxIypaCh_bSA2FL_j7s/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijphMilGZSl3usCf3Eiq7jows4qPue6RSUCAZG9LX0adi81ke9lgxU_poO2sGeqLhZ7t9fJm_gHUrRC34PwpMjqF0FahVo_ugTEJ4oBxN4hvROXWEKtuB4gA0JIxIypaCh_bSA2FL_j7s/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siena teachers love camping too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /> Last week's camping trip was no exception. Three teachers from the <a href="http://www%2cthesienaschool.org/" target="_blank">Siena School</a> where I teach middle school Science took the freshman class of twelve students to camp at <a href="http://www.bearsdencenter.org/" target="_blank">Bear's Den</a> on the <a href="http://www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/find-a-hike/interactive-map" target="_blank">Appalachian Trai</a>l in Virginia. The goal of the trip was part academic and part team building and bonding. It provided students the opportunity: to learn new camping skills for first-times, to lead and model skills from the experienced, discuss and role play how human behavior impacts the environment, test their physical endurance while hiking the rocky and hilly AT, complete service to improve the environment, and most importantly free time to solidify and appreciate relationships with each other and nature. It was those moments of free time that I enjoyed observing the dynamics between peers and their usage of the environment as a playground. As the 36 hours of the trip passed, students became infinitely more comfortable and confident with their usage of the natural playground. This confidence gained in themselves and with each other is invaluable; subconscious lessons each will use and remember for a life time.<br /> One first-time camper gave me the ultimate compliment. Upon first siting me in the hall on Monday morning, she called, "Hey Ms. Chambers, guess what I did this weekend?" Without giving me enough time to respond, she blurted, "I camped in my backyard." Wow! This tickles deep to know that connections and relationship were built in one 36 hour camping trip! Image if we could give every child this opportunity.</h3>
Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-40697235330699254952012-10-04T09:14:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.653-04:00Creating Community in Nature<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-bwmntANwWkaRWm6z0SqDX-oUVxTDeaLUJpokfBXZXKE9H5aI62SNxPIQBb3ZXttimuyEFtbCxdMQdr3yqZIsXZDeCqE30-xA6V-TMQ3kijo69DyJHt5tjZtcOFuboif45I9MFRR5nA/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-bwmntANwWkaRWm6z0SqDX-oUVxTDeaLUJpokfBXZXKE9H5aI62SNxPIQBb3ZXttimuyEFtbCxdMQdr3yqZIsXZDeCqE30-xA6V-TMQ3kijo69DyJHt5tjZtcOFuboif45I9MFRR5nA/s640/IMG_2759.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv2Ig5CCPisyjtBdAdClNzmzVvwlh55NL9iGX__iEDIatLPqZgnvFEYC4fsJUtQ8r0DNJsMagoKXEHn3yLDELzXjQO_reUJ0kCwb8_e3ZZ9_FOvkaxdg6Np7NVec2RK_LyJABXIcjZOU/s1600/G+and+V+on+rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtv2Ig5CCPisyjtBdAdClNzmzVvwlh55NL9iGX__iEDIatLPqZgnvFEYC4fsJUtQ8r0DNJsMagoKXEHn3yLDELzXjQO_reUJ0kCwb8_e3ZZ9_FOvkaxdg6Np7NVec2RK_LyJABXIcjZOU/s640/G+and+V+on+rock.JPG" width="480" /></a>
For 10 years families in my neighborhood have gathered to camp every fall. We live in a community that has a "it takes a village" mentality. We carry that philosophy when we recreate outdoors. Our bonds are strong but made even stronger by sharing time and space in nature.<br /> Some families have remained while others have come and gone and new families have gathered. Some are experienced campers and for others, it is their first time. The first timers borrow gear and use the presence of the experienced as comfort to venture into a new family endeavor. Whether new or old at camping, we all take comfort having each others' backs and those of our kids. Ten years ago, our children were preschoolers or younger. Camping with youngsters is more work but made easier in a community of friends who share time as the watchful eye. Now our children are older. The ever-present watchful eye is sporadic as the adults hang together around the campfire while our kids roam the woods creating adventures. Just like the adults, the kids have grown up watching out for each other and seek fun together as a pack. As parents, we take our unconscious turns at reminding our children to make good choices when it seems they need a reminder. On Sunday we pack up our sites and drive away each year with huge smiles and exclamations of "I can't wait to do it again next year."</h3>
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<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlg7h7nYzEblIoxeNNDZKTQGEuy1cTfgsMwtN2P4FtVKUS3ijBA4FvJ7-9ocvHUeBxXvu0bWfuSlpRId9ygUk9s7eHXziSmvLsmTXhY-8bG3SqmSMekIGIAB_cOFu0cFb2a8Ck37qOdw/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlg7h7nYzEblIoxeNNDZKTQGEuy1cTfgsMwtN2P4FtVKUS3ijBA4FvJ7-9ocvHUeBxXvu0bWfuSlpRId9ygUk9s7eHXziSmvLsmTXhY-8bG3SqmSMekIGIAB_cOFu0cFb2a8Ck37qOdw/s640/IMG_2751.JPG" width="640" /></a></h3>
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<br />Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-36699723834540084162012-08-25T18:21:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.643-04:00Trail Discovery for Kids: Lake Artemesia<br /> <iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lake+Artemesia+Trail,+College+Park,+MD&aq=1&oq=lake+art&sll=38.804821,-77.236966&sspn=2.504065,4.938354&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lake+Artemesia+Trail,+College+Park,+Prince+George's,+Maryland+20740&ll=38.987006,-76.922218&spn=0.009757,0.01929&t=m&z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lake+Artemesia+Trail,+College+Park,+MD&aq=1&oq=lake+art&sll=38.804821,-77.236966&sspn=2.504065,4.938354&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lake+Artemesia+Trail,+College+Park,+Prince+George's,+Maryland+20740&ll=38.987006,-76.922218&spn=0.009757,0.01929&t=m&z=14" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">August 2012
Highlighted Hike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Lake_Artemesia.htm">Lake
Artemesia</a> Trail<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Berwyn Heights, MD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Trail Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This 1.4 mile circuit
hike on a hard surface trail is just across the railroad tracks from the
University of Maryland in College Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The trail circles
the 38 acre Lake Artemesia with no elevation gain or loss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">To find Lake
Artemesia, use Interstate 495 and take Kenilworth Avenue south to Greenbelt
Rd/Rt. 193. Turn right and drive three quarters of a mile. Turn right onto
Branchville Rd. which goes under the railroad tracks and turns left and becomes
Ballew Ave. Make a left into the parking lot just after the stop sign with
Berwyn Rd. Follow the trail along Ballew Ave. to the gate of Lake Artemesia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The trail is stroller
and <a href="http://bikewashington.org/trails/branches/index.htm">bike</a> friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">See the trail map
image to the right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Age Appropriateness</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This hike is appropriate for children of all
ages but especially great for toddlers and preschoolers.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">What is fun for
kids?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The park has two
floating docks for fishing. Children younger than 16 do not have to possess a
license.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The park has seven
gazebos, one raised above the lake, to seek shade, rest and watch wildlife.
Many benches sit along the trail and throughout the park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Wildlife seen
includes: Eastern Painted turtles, Snapping Turtles, Bullfrogs, Green Frogs,
Great Blue Heron, Egret, Wood Ducks, and Mallards. The lake is a migratory
ground for many <a href="http://www.pgaudubon.org/Artemisia.html">birds</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Watch the metro and
trains travel by the western side of the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Beautiful water lilies
that bloom in July. A few blooms were still alive in August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There are a few
large open green spaces for a picnic or a game of tag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Lake Artemesia
Trail is part of the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/anacostia_trail.html">Anacostia Tributary
Trail System</a> providing miles of trails in Prince Georges and Montgomery
counties. From the park, the Paint Branch, Indian Creek and Northeast Branch
trails can be accessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Lake Artemesia is
metro accessible from the College Park station on the green line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Caution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Swimming, boating
and ice skating are not allowed on the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">A majority of the
trail is exposed to the sun and lacks shade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-74275443521933010332012-08-16T11:10:00.001-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.738-04:00What I Learned About My Kids (and Myself)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmYVNdo5tL2COzi5rj_nya-rawRkuJi6cyf4PIJpM1L5R6ybaF3AUo49HUjs92haFVk1TzsuMrPozAdffXVFjgZth6WFw8G-Fi9-0pnCElsFXq0awRY7P2NhrHq_sOtLwNkuBxzvrcZw/s1600/hut+hiking+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmYVNdo5tL2COzi5rj_nya-rawRkuJi6cyf4PIJpM1L5R6ybaF3AUo49HUjs92haFVk1TzsuMrPozAdffXVFjgZth6WFw8G-Fi9-0pnCElsFXq0awRY7P2NhrHq_sOtLwNkuBxzvrcZw/s320/hut+hiking+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Mt. Lafayette and Lincoln at Lonesome Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR14LMxOfyIlEeUXa5cqUk40nQW5ARCDnJfHaf_DMqP6t231Ka2yBKLDvd10kCAhgYwctiQ0v112dXg16jkuMSSEXRM0MF4iVh-AyCa8n4IcGkvi3wXGStgSHgQ3JW4OMBWwzOQpzGrRQ/s1600/hut+hiking+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR14LMxOfyIlEeUXa5cqUk40nQW5ARCDnJfHaf_DMqP6t231Ka2yBKLDvd10kCAhgYwctiQ0v112dXg16jkuMSSEXRM0MF4iVh-AyCa8n4IcGkvi3wXGStgSHgQ3JW4OMBWwzOQpzGrRQ/s320/hut+hiking+021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenleaf Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Engaging
in the outdoors and testing my kid's physical (and mental) limits has allowed
me to view deep into their personalities and how they experience life. In the
last couple of years, I have taken them (ages 7 and 11) backpacking, hut
hiking, kayaking, bike camping, rock scrambling and camping for long periods of
time far away from home. Each time I push the difficulty level on the adventure
meter.<br />
<div class="Body1">
Before
last week, they have hiked 8 miles in one day, carried a backpack on short
distance backpacking trips and hiked over 1,000 feet in elevation on a short
trail. I combined it altogether to hike two AMC huts in the White Mountains. I
was confident they would rise to the challenge. The challenge for me was keeping
my sometimes impatient nature in check and being the most positive, patient
mommy when the going got tough (more on that later). Huge insights learned:</div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
</div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB0Jq2ROSDtyBvdgBX-x3oX1yCL_V-1BkpJjZ9mAEwja9TOB97cAzVeWphUGFUn2OSHK9Dg8vKFR7qZxCXUNRo6qmKP5oRWRQZGsn8FLCs9JnsP8gWfFWWJljGU8G1oNs1XyJb7XzAB8/s1600/hut+hiking+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheB0Jq2ROSDtyBvdgBX-x3oX1yCL_V-1BkpJjZ9mAEwja9TOB97cAzVeWphUGFUn2OSHK9Dg8vKFR7qZxCXUNRo6qmKP5oRWRQZGsn8FLCs9JnsP8gWfFWWJljGU8G1oNs1XyJb7XzAB8/s320/hut+hiking+007.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li>My
son is internally motivated. He didn't need me, his sister or anyone else to
get him up the mountain. He enjoyed the physically challenge. Often he said,
"mom, this is fun." He had his moments on the second day when his
little feet developed hot spots. I was grateful he communicated with me. We
patched his feet a few different times and he was good to go never developing
blisters. That would have definitely slowed him down. Often he was the lead
encouraging us with his bouncy steps to maintain a presence behind him.</li>
<li>My
daughter is externally motivated. However, garnering that motivation from her
mother is not the key. Instead, I received the whines of, "I'm tired or I
don't want to do this anymore." Her brother can sometimes provide that
motivation through competition. However, her peers and friends are the best
motivators. Stalling up the mountain and complaining was the name of the game
on the first day. By coincidence, we ran into neighbors at the Lonesome Lake
hut. The three girls, older than her, helped motivate her to hike the difficult
trail to Greenleaf hut. Upon reaching the hut, she would normally have been
done for the day but she decided to summit Mt. Lafayette with the girls. The
reward was the beautiful view. The reward for me was her telling me with a
smile that the view was beautiful. This meant it was well worth the physical
effort.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O-lwuz3XH6jGqmo77MAfaf8_vAdFO9yt-66HedO8n3bQaerXHqVmcWuw6C8XlplO5S4Nnp2nPa3m-nDs8dkHgzE2E1mSmEtfNvbOg-849ctrkDt7A_1kgFaemEGiBT3AZrAKf9q8_VA/s1600/hut+hiking+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O-lwuz3XH6jGqmo77MAfaf8_vAdFO9yt-66HedO8n3bQaerXHqVmcWuw6C8XlplO5S4Nnp2nPa3m-nDs8dkHgzE2E1mSmEtfNvbOg-849ctrkDt7A_1kgFaemEGiBT3AZrAKf9q8_VA/s320/hut+hiking+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body1">
<o:p> </o:p>Did the
going-get-tough? Yes, from each child. I realized I had more patience for my
son. Was I being fair? No, I concluded. Why was I being less patient with my
daughter than my son? Upon reflection, I realized I want her to be TOUGH; be
strong. Unlike her mama at her age. I have learned since then to be tough. I
continue to learn everyday. There is a little voice of doubt in my head that
creates fear and anxiety to remind me that maybe I can't do it. But I love
proving it wrong!</div>
<div class="Body1">
Each of
these challenges in the outdoors allows me to work on my patience with my kids,
in particular my daughter. I want them to learn about and explore their
physical limits. I want to model for them that going beyond reaps rewards of
greater self-confidence.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-26087358581301784012012-08-06T10:34:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.620-04:00Finding Strength as an Environmental Hero: A Review of Teen Fiction<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/373473_219790974764183_386958830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/373473_219790974764183_386958830_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="Body1">
Who
doesn't like to root for an underdog? As I read <u><a href="http://www.totemmagic.com/" target="_blank">Totem Magic, Going Mad</a></u>,
I cheered for Enrique and Connie to win against the evil witch doctor who kidnaps
Connie's father, the leader of Green Force. Furthermore, I rooted for Enrique
to discover the strength and courage within himself to fight against bullies;
those in school and in the secretive Magic User community.</div>
<div class="Body1">
<a href="http://www.totemmagic.com/the-author/meet-the-author/">John Griffith</a>, a California environmental
educator, wrote an engaging and creative book for teens. Connie and Enrique, otherwise
known as Vulchy, are best friends in sixth grade whose families are part of the
Magic User community. Each member of the community is a totem mage born with
the gift to protect an animal threatened by extinction. Going MAD in the Magic
Users community is a rite of passage. The community and the world's existence are
threatened when Connie's dad is kidnapped by Kaktor, the evil witch doctor.
Will Connie and Enrique save Connie's dad and the planet? The story has a
surprising twist to keep the reader engaged to the end.</div>
<div class="Body1">
The author had the best time creating and
writing about the funny, unusual and sometimes grotesque cast of characters
that Connie and Enrique run into along their quest. Both teens are forced to
problem solve in unique ways to conquer physical and mental obstacles; each
given a magical tool, sunglasses and flip flops, by the people's witch to aid
them. </div>
<div class="Body1">
Connie, a black girl, is a strong character
who doesn't take crap from people, witches or monsters. Her strength throughout
the journey helps Enrique to notice his own in spite of his fear. So when
Vulchy vomited green puke on the vampire to escape death, I cheered with pride.
In the end, it<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span>s Vulchy becoming his totem
mage that lifts his wings in ultimate self-confidence. <u>Totem Magic, Going
Mad</u> is an engaging read for teens and adults that mirrors the complex
themes of bullying and environmental degradation present in today<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">’</span>s world.<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Note: This book was published by Wheatmark and is available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Totem+magic+going+mad">Amazon.</a> All proceeds from the book are donated to <a href="http://www.totemmagic.com/the-author/favorite-links/">four environmental organizations</a>.</div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-21293085302040751332012-08-01T13:22:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.603-04:00Trail Discovery for Kids: Michaux State Forest, PA<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A3reQnLce1fONiOSyGWz_7qC5w3Sx6suBzOkZiRUAl-DufINj0M10SHUZgxpqS7BnklF20g3m5NgT6eWYb8lYsepTNogb1-JirmBmZKWozTh3i_iNVdEZvtblHdJrfyQpGM-MBzT7bA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A3reQnLce1fONiOSyGWz_7qC5w3Sx6suBzOkZiRUAl-DufINj0M10SHUZgxpqS7BnklF20g3m5NgT6eWYb8lYsepTNogb1-JirmBmZKWozTh3i_iNVdEZvtblHdJrfyQpGM-MBzT7bA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a rest next to the reservoir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">July 2012 Highlighted Hike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Beaver Trail<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Michaux State Forest, PA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Trail Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">This
2.5 mile out-and-back hike is in </span><a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/michaux/index.htm"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Michaux State Forest</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> north of Route 30 and 10 miles east
of Chambersburg, PA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">This
natural surface trail hugs the reservoir with only one 75 foot climb away from
the reservoir and then a gentle slope descending back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">To
find the Beaver trailhead, turn left onto Milesburn Road (dirt road) from Rt.
233. At the end of the reservoir, turn right onto Birch Run Road (dirt road).
Follow it for less than a mile. Park along the road after the second bridge.
Walk back over the bridge to stairs on the left of the road which descend the
embankment where the Beaver trailhead sign is located.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
hike is not jogging stroller friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><a href="http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/D_000828.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Trail map</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">. To help orient, look for Caledonia
State Park in pink. The reservoir is north of it. The Beaver Trail is on the
north side of the reservoir adjacent to Birch Run Road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Age Appropriateness</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">This
hike is appropriate for children five years or older.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">What is fun for kids?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hiking
along the reservoir. There are six different locations to access it and play;
the largest being a mile down the trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><a href="http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/12514600/2/stock-photo-12514600-ripe-maine-low-bush-wild-blueberries.jpg&ir=http:/www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-12514600-ripe-maine-low-bush-wild-blueberries.php&ig=http:/t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Blueberry bushes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> are abundant along both sides of the
trail throughout the hike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">In
June, the </span><a href="http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1889R-4983"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Rhododendron bushes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> display huge flowers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Bring
a kayak or canoe and enjoy the lake. The boat ramp is located on the south side
of it off of Milesburn Road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Bushwhack,
rock scramble and play in Knob Run. This is the stream that runs under the
second bridge on Birch Run Road. Rocky Knob Trail runs along this stream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Camp
along Hosack Run at the small campground at Caledonia State Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Caution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">There
is no bathroom or trash cans; therefore, pack out your garbage. The closest
bathroom is at Caledonia State Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Beware of the posted restrictions in the state forest.</span>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-42622117535898719242012-07-19T12:26:00.001-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.667-04:00Top 5 Family Adventures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFqagXcl3xHy6y02SK6ocU_tRcy5xolvFl608vHZ57QYiIhro_uD5T65_fk_XI6xQLm7SHsx_1M2V1BAOT2Dgflp-9-XQvLGASiThyzvlFE0si0FHuR7lLa6Du-wbT9cSq7rrUiWipJM/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFqagXcl3xHy6y02SK6ocU_tRcy5xolvFl608vHZ57QYiIhro_uD5T65_fk_XI6xQLm7SHsx_1M2V1BAOT2Dgflp-9-XQvLGASiThyzvlFE0si0FHuR7lLa6Du-wbT9cSq7rrUiWipJM/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow ball fight on Rendezvous Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vmds8R1NEWq-vzFIWFcJL6gRqE3tBpaXBtaI1znG0gEUYmY3pPNsckf31ErCImc4fc0nnUXR93WE1EDPxIUj80QVuHmBh_C_2KBQpliLbxiftV5crBrNZaC4tDjOhdaPsbLf2gSHVPA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Vmds8R1NEWq-vzFIWFcJL6gRqE3tBpaXBtaI1znG0gEUYmY3pPNsckf31ErCImc4fc0nnUXR93WE1EDPxIUj80QVuHmBh_C_2KBQpliLbxiftV5crBrNZaC4tDjOhdaPsbLf2gSHVPA/s400/006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike on Bunsen Peak</td></tr>
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<div class="Body1">
Discovering
our national parks with my children is a dream that I am making a reality one
summer at a time. Two summers ago, we started with <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm">Great Sand Dunes National Park</a> in Colorado. Last year, we went to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm">Acadia National Park</a> for <a href="http://www.hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2011/08/camping-in-rain.html">four days ofadventure in the rain</a> and sun. This summer, we ventured to Grand Teton,
Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks. The following are the best
family adventures in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone.</div>
<div class="Body1">
<u style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="Body1">
<u style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm">GrandTeton National Park</a></b></u></div>
<div class="Body1">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Ride the <a href="http://estore.jacksonhole.com/Content/Commerce/Products/DisplayProducts.aspx?ProductGroupCode=1000011&ProductCategoryCode=10" target="_blank">tram in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort</a> and hike the Rock Springs Trail into Cody Bowl </b>- Although this is just outside
of the Park, it was the most fun our family had while there. We rode the 100
passenger tram from the base of Jackson Hole to the top of Rendezvous mountain,
a four thousand foot climb. We packed a picnic lunch for our day's adventures
at the top of the world. We descended along the ridge line on the Rock Springs
Trail into Cody Bowl. We spent our afternoon having snow ball fights, sliding
down the glacial snow and rock scrambling. Afterwards, we treated ourselves to homemade waffles at Corbett Cabin. Yum!</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.gtlc.com/activities/marina-kayak-canoe.aspx" target="_blank">Kayak (or canoe) Colter andHalf Moon Bays</a></b><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - We rented two
two-person kayaks from the Colter Bay Marina for half a day of paddling and
wildlife viewing in Colter and Half Moon Bays.</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/hike.htm" target="_blank">Hike</a> around String and Jenny
Lakes to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point</b><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - We hiked 7.8 miles along the
north and west sides of both String and Jenny Lakes. This route is gentle with
minimal elevation change. The best part of this hike is taking in the mountain
peaks and the lake vistas.</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/upload/Floating11.pdf" target="_blank">Raft the class I and II rapidsof the Snake River</a></b><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - This activity was my son's choice. <a href="http://www.gtlc.com/activities/outdoor-fun-floats.aspx" target="_blank">Grand Teton LodgeCompany</a> was our guide down the Snake River in the Park. This float is gentle
enough for a six year old. Daniel, our guide, was experienced at navigating the
river and very knowledgeable about the natural history of the Park. We were
fortunate to spot two moose, a beaver and an eagle.</span></li>
<li><b style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm" target="_blank">Camping</a></b><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"> - Camping is the best
way to truly experience everything a national park has to offer from scenery to
education. Grand Teton offers five first-come-first-serve campgrounds. They do
not take reservations; however, visitors are able to easily get a site in one
of the campgrounds. At the entrance stations and visitor centers, there are
campground boards providing information on the availability of sites and at
what time the campground became full.</span></li>
</ol>
<h4>
<b><u><a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm">Yellowstone</a></u></b></h4>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Circuit hike along the south
rim of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ncanyon.htm" target="_blank">Grand Canyon of Yellowstone</a> to Lily and Clear Lakes</b> - The best way
to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is to take a hike along the South Rim
Trail, in addition to Lily Lake and Uncle Tom's Trail. The Lily Lake trailhead
is at the far end of Artist Point. The trail follows the steep ledges of the
Canyon before it enters a pine forest and by two small lakes and thermals.
Uncle Tom's Trail gives all visitors a cardo workout climbing down and up 328
steps. At the bottom, you stand at the base of the lower falls to feel mist on
your face.</div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b>Take a picnic dinner to an
overlook in Lamar Valley to watch animals</b> - If there is one national park known
for wildlife; it is Yellowstone. We grabbed fixings for a picnic dinner and
drove into Lamar Valley. This valley is stunning. My children learned a
valuable lesson from animal spectators fitted with their large scopes about why
preserving this valley's habitat is vital for the balance of the ecosystem. In
the valley, we watched hundreds of buffalo and looked for bear and wolves.</div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hiking.htm">Hike</a> to Bunsen Peak</b> - Have you
ever want to bag a peak with your kids? Bunsen Peak is a good one to do. The
hike is a moderate 2.1 mile trek to the peak on switchbacks. The views at the
top are well worth it. The climb was a good challenge for my kids but they
loved skipping down the mountain.</div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span><b>Walk the Fountain Paint Pots
boardwalk</b> - This was the touristiest adventure of our time in Yellowstone
because everyone wants to see the geological thermals. They are well worth the
crowds. This was my son's favorite part of Yellowstone.</div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><b><a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/camping-in-yellowstone.htm">Camping</a></b> - Yellowstone offers both
reservation only and first-come-first-serve campgrounds. The reservation only
campgrounds usually fill well ahead of time. The first-come-first-serves are in
beautiful locations in the park but have limited, such as vaulted toilets.</div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Many of these adventures enabled us to
leave behind the crowds and explore each park to discover the beauty, peace and
solitude. The more we trekked down the trail the more we drew back the curtains
on the amazing scenery all around us. I loved sharing each of the above
adventures with my kids and watching their faces light up with huge grins. We
hope you enjoy them too.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnz6I89PT_h6M4RklHmWj4tl_RhKScj84w5nsLUVgRM4XGxJek4ZZaUmsgt3jWgVfEp0Jk5_oV0QLB680piBEutZLcfG4orRgePawRRqAyMPh3cscWqTgpLASn1IXJ3NE3DrPQyC-ruw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnz6I89PT_h6M4RklHmWj4tl_RhKScj84w5nsLUVgRM4XGxJek4ZZaUmsgt3jWgVfEp0Jk5_oV0QLB680piBEutZLcfG4orRgePawRRqAyMPh3cscWqTgpLASn1IXJ3NE3DrPQyC-ruw/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading about thermal cones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3nt-EJd8MR-LIFMTcrUXlTrWs7K_9-4kmKDE5OgoPbQ9q0NoKHmi_0zQpVUYvtKo9XwUDJlffN_igMBTfoHiYS_Gr-sOCUIIP6O5NqF-IoVevn7jg7G0NKPZLtqQX7fAzyho1bz-KmY/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3nt-EJd8MR-LIFMTcrUXlTrWs7K_9-4kmKDE5OgoPbQ9q0NoKHmi_0zQpVUYvtKo9XwUDJlffN_igMBTfoHiYS_Gr-sOCUIIP6O5NqF-IoVevn7jg7G0NKPZLtqQX7fAzyho1bz-KmY/s400/020.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2rA8LmIfIsU7DoG_7UsYCVlRpBfxC8yE1o9nRTV9E872_Kzuyqo1XrB3el8jZQyK4Rr2FB3k5MtvO7Yuo4xs4cVGJcW_zhrEzsIcnH-yXrXz2K9S_IQPDGYugeuCu3mMoAZCpJfEeu0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2rA8LmIfIsU7DoG_7UsYCVlRpBfxC8yE1o9nRTV9E872_Kzuyqo1XrB3el8jZQyK4Rr2FB3k5MtvO7Yuo4xs4cVGJcW_zhrEzsIcnH-yXrXz2K9S_IQPDGYugeuCu3mMoAZCpJfEeu0/s400/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for wolves in Lamar Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5DHUVP-iMgAw3R-bvr_vLpymQoqXofBsoU6Zl-6GStRgtk7GzWZMjtg5j0dwoleLgKxO-zLMZ52FmGD1IO3SqV2bBm9oP1yOenIy_uhMuR494-W6pKLLhQAjbjvhL6OlpOlac8BgDwQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5DHUVP-iMgAw3R-bvr_vLpymQoqXofBsoU6Zl-6GStRgtk7GzWZMjtg5j0dwoleLgKxO-zLMZ52FmGD1IO3SqV2bBm9oP1yOenIy_uhMuR494-W6pKLLhQAjbjvhL6OlpOlac8BgDwQ/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking in Colter Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-46963526932372176422012-07-13T14:38:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.680-04:00Mother Nature's Adventures: Check Your Attitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3UGyhmJakX2dqxUPqr2oNh0CNkZe4vk4zrkQj45RbxpXOnuOC_H4Vw2EEYHmSf-9iuulROh3K2YbnzHpl-inmaPb7QxyIXg6ZLrMHYbG6DS8LIERtNFl7rxmep-soyvRZVF12K1pEjY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3UGyhmJakX2dqxUPqr2oNh0CNkZe4vk4zrkQj45RbxpXOnuOC_H4Vw2EEYHmSf-9iuulROh3K2YbnzHpl-inmaPb7QxyIXg6ZLrMHYbG6DS8LIERtNFl7rxmep-soyvRZVF12K1pEjY/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Body1">
Have you
ever ask yourself, "why do I camp?" I have. Even though I love to
camp, there have been a few times when I thought, "camping is a pain in
the butt." One those times was recent when camping in the National
Arapahoe Recreation Area outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.</div>
<div class="Body1">
Mother nature can really throw a curve ball
sometimes. It did the three days we spent camping and hiking in the Rocky
Mountains with mine and my brother<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;">’</span>s kids. Each morning we woke
to a beautiful blue sunny sky but by early afternoon the storm clouds rolled in
during two separate hikes in the mountains. Both storms produced thunder and lightning:
one with rain and the other with hail. All eight kids have never hiked so fast.
Even though it was scary, it provided a great teachable moment for them.</div>
<div class="Body1">
By late afternoon when we returned to our
campsite from hiking, those same storms rolled into the basin of the mountains.
Our campsite was beautiful; a 360 degree view of the mountains and Lake Granby.
Best view ever! The downside was there were no trees. The pine bark beetle
killed all the trees in the campground. Therefore, when the storms hit each
evening; winds gusted up to 60 mph. Sometimes rain and lightning came with it.
We could see the storms approaching from the west, providing us some time to
prepare for cover. </div>
<div class="Body1">
Of course, the storms hit us during dinner
preparation on all three evenings. On the first evening, we used the backend of
our car as a wind shield when cooking the beef for burritos. We were
interrupted by rain. We shoved the pot under the car and ran to the tents. On
the second night, the storm hit just before dinner prep. After a late start, we
thankfully had a beautiful and relaxing dinner of which we didn't have to worry
about flying food, napkins and spilled drinks. </div>
<div class="Body1">
The third night's storm was the worst with
the highest winds - dirt swirled around us and the tents poles bent against the
wind begging to snap. My sister-in-law and I thought the dark clouds to the
west were far enough away that we could prep dinner and eat. The chili was made
and we were reading the directions to the rice when the strong gusts
began. The winds threw the garbage,
utensils, paper towels, stove windscreen, and the entire one pound box of rice
off the table. We scrambled to pick up everything, move the stove and chili
into the fire ring, salvage some of the rice on the gravel, place the remaining
items into the cars, prevent the tents from flying away, and instruct the kids
into the tents. My sister-in-law and I
got into our tent to anchor it down. My husband braved the high winds to cook the
rice in the fire pit with the wind screen. The kids laughed and created their own adventures in spite of the storm.</div>
<div class="Body1">
After thirty minutes of holding up the tent,
it was time to eat. We were losing day light and were hungry. We devised and
executed a plan to move the cars to create a wind shield. We gathered the food
and utensils and called the kids. All twelve of us, sat on the asphalt, in a
circle, sheltered by the wind, to eat chili and rice. It was the best dinner.</div>
<div class="Body1">
After three frustrating afternoons and
evenings of dealing with Mother Nature, we laughed at the ridiculousness of our
situation and ways of coping to maintain a smile on our faces for our children.
Mother Nature can through us curve balls when we camp but it is the attitude
for which we choose that creates the experience.</div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-72132886831044723962012-07-09T21:54:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.727-04:00Wildlife Wonders in Yellowstone and Grand Teton<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb0egC22dXeneJI2pYXiJqBNsEkAyxlt_cmBm5PCONT7FgRz8uKju4T08f4AaAqRqFkIgMSq53axLhhR5nHR28M3HvCmnWLEbGiXUfqTmKiw_QJLpNCfSbtnQsrICTOjDl9mH5sTdAbA/s1600/IMG_5711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHb0egC22dXeneJI2pYXiJqBNsEkAyxlt_cmBm5PCONT7FgRz8uKju4T08f4AaAqRqFkIgMSq53axLhhR5nHR28M3HvCmnWLEbGiXUfqTmKiw_QJLpNCfSbtnQsrICTOjDl9mH5sTdAbA/s320/IMG_5711.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grizzly Bears</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi8LyZCgV2GKaui3gntXSeTWdDVSfzq-1LM4NKtmMglYFbx-FKxRRoQVwKjbTiFuTeTMHyUTsCEdnxFkva8AYVF0QyZaj2ncOtE-tBmLnmZrV7_3dZIg95uPCXFAwnQFFfgB1GudIqdc/s1600/IMG_5718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYi8LyZCgV2GKaui3gntXSeTWdDVSfzq-1LM4NKtmMglYFbx-FKxRRoQVwKjbTiFuTeTMHyUTsCEdnxFkva8AYVF0QyZaj2ncOtE-tBmLnmZrV7_3dZIg95uPCXFAwnQFFfgB1GudIqdc/s320/IMG_5718.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pronghorn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqumgDhnica1NNvc1hn3jtSFnaJCTvARzJVvu63NwoYztEQj59B2vURd2bhVVv1pshlBEQu4XZ5Kb7Us0lAzZN-fZb_LdxGjvslfD6s_5h3EHbOabjv8h35a-WTMnXtDRho79GmZKM6ec/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqumgDhnica1NNvc1hn3jtSFnaJCTvARzJVvu63NwoYztEQj59B2vURd2bhVVv1pshlBEQu4XZ5Kb7Us0lAzZN-fZb_LdxGjvslfD6s_5h3EHbOabjv8h35a-WTMnXtDRho79GmZKM6ec/s320/IMG_5688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison laying next to a thermal at Mud Volcano</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcLNYYQQnHK-llWGO0TAXXEArgaAGl82WmAMNBtJakyylrUOrqicKUGss9Pyydfnhc_gw0sKOGH6Ro_b17wQLlzgoVNUAdAfK1dblc8NZ7ab7LLXSAiwZ3wgOOAwtyE4BpnhR75XjqxA/s1600/IMG_5635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcLNYYQQnHK-llWGO0TAXXEArgaAGl82WmAMNBtJakyylrUOrqicKUGss9Pyydfnhc_gw0sKOGH6Ro_b17wQLlzgoVNUAdAfK1dblc8NZ7ab7LLXSAiwZ3wgOOAwtyE4BpnhR75XjqxA/s320/IMG_5635.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yellow-bellied Marmot</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOX2rvAm6Y_klclQUQUTTBm8RS-zBsnVYdbnyfLiRDley94zazLiItoymRSx5w_i4o9UZPofxjL3iox415o0J179tPkC2gCFZxJpxwFcDiMDZJd7vS2X3JChqvvgTEihLJObXDEFshoo/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOX2rvAm6Y_klclQUQUTTBm8RS-zBsnVYdbnyfLiRDley94zazLiItoymRSx5w_i4o9UZPofxjL3iox415o0J179tPkC2gCFZxJpxwFcDiMDZJd7vS2X3JChqvvgTEihLJObXDEFshoo/s320/IMG_5714.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Red Fox</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXeA7Oh5qZeZGT0gX9gP_bL6ufHKxXpWZ6I-s_Z-CWy9rgi00TS33GqHa7c0nDyvnkO8y6-rZTSJUfCY8tZtp6EyMkhYyH4cBgDTcDsjc8q72bcXvZDzEe7SEvdSYfbyPI_MPCzsEqvg/s1600/IMG_5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXeA7Oh5qZeZGT0gX9gP_bL6ufHKxXpWZ6I-s_Z-CWy9rgi00TS33GqHa7c0nDyvnkO8y6-rZTSJUfCY8tZtp6EyMkhYyH4cBgDTcDsjc8q72bcXvZDzEe7SEvdSYfbyPI_MPCzsEqvg/s320/IMG_5738.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Female Sage Grouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThHTkDher-0ONX3N5NUTPM405oK6Wyl8CGSDGdTqVvmqVG_bOyOyjsFWG1WbbnhtsTsmH436z62OAfMDCFp1NFg3dYYzDY6gQqT05WrNuUfDMVzR1BN8BjaLjvXngK1qbeze-TXxTqkE/s1600/IMG_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThHTkDher-0ONX3N5NUTPM405oK6Wyl8CGSDGdTqVvmqVG_bOyOyjsFWG1WbbnhtsTsmH436z62OAfMDCFp1NFg3dYYzDY6gQqT05WrNuUfDMVzR1BN8BjaLjvXngK1qbeze-TXxTqkE/s320/IMG_5744.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mountain Bluebird</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOrZpvNnjZWlzKsfRUv-okZZHDRxXKEJwmp5Y4kHN6pkTrsfmXIjtldA4KPmzn7h0uKEwoHiTe_0sBBAZwb9MuD_98on6LsjrYOKMofUKYS4LQuHRlGrPH4bf0rSs7x1h6WFVQ1pF1nA/s1600/IMG_5767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOrZpvNnjZWlzKsfRUv-okZZHDRxXKEJwmp5Y4kHN6pkTrsfmXIjtldA4KPmzn7h0uKEwoHiTe_0sBBAZwb9MuD_98on6LsjrYOKMofUKYS4LQuHRlGrPH4bf0rSs7x1h6WFVQ1pF1nA/s320/IMG_5767.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Male Moose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For two weeks at the end of June, my family embarked on an amazing outdoor adventure to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/naturescience/mammalscheck.htm">Yellowstone</a>, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/naturescience/upload/mammal.pdf">Grand Teton</a> and Rocky Mountain National Parks. After a few days in Grand Teton, my husband, kids and I started reflecting on the animals that we had seen thus far and were amazed at the list we had generated. Everyday afterwards, we added to that list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Elk</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> – male and female</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Yellow bellied marmot</b> - many along Jenny Lake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>White pelican</b> - on the Yellowstone River at Fishing Bridge</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Moose</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> - one at Willow Flats and one female and</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">male on our raft trip</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Bison and bison calves</b> - hundreds everywhere</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">but the most spectacular was in Lamar Valley<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snowshoe
Hare</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Coyote</b> - surprised one while hiking the Howard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Eaton Trail along the Yellowstone River<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Black
bear</b> - multiple times in Yellowstone</span></div>
<b style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Osprey</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Wood
duck<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Grizzly
bear</b> - two adult and one cub off the road </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">near Canyon Village<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Red fox<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Wandering
Garter Snake</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Wolf</b> - in distance at 8:45 pm near Pleasure Valley </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">in Yellowstone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Pronghorn<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Ground
squirrel</b> - these burrowing animals are everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Sage
grouse</b> - on our hike up Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Springs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Mountain
Bluebird</b> - on our hike down Bunsen Peak near Mammoth Springs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Cinnamon
black bear</b> - side of the road at 9:30 pm on the pass south of Roosevelt Lodge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Bald
eagle</b> - on our raft trip down the Snake River in Grand Teton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Beaver</b> - on our raft trip<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Loon</b> - kayaking Half Moon Bay on Jackson Lake<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Bighorn Sheep</b> (ewe) - Colorado River Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"> I am so grateful to have been able to share this wildlife experience with my children, for them to understand that we are visitors in these animal's homes and that we must do everything in our power to respect and protect them and their habitats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note: These photos were taken with respect to the wildlife using a high power zoom </span>lens<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-63291415694878540642012-07-03T18:08:00.002-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.702-04:00Be Grizzly Bear Aware<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYShkCN0zyv3jGNe_UQk78tknxRiyabTsppA0VYC813BAzYoUOuva8W4DS8-UEl7so4zfnJG6RSD97LgKxX_Y_Ki7UsGRa2eQ1D9wQslI2-kMU3fmdaQKDpnMESGiZbgfvk6Y599IvkQ/s1600/be+bear+aware.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYShkCN0zyv3jGNe_UQk78tknxRiyabTsppA0VYC813BAzYoUOuva8W4DS8-UEl7so4zfnJG6RSD97LgKxX_Y_Ki7UsGRa2eQ1D9wQslI2-kMU3fmdaQKDpnMESGiZbgfvk6Y599IvkQ/s320/be+bear+aware.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign is on all bear boxes in Grand Teton and Yellowstone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Many
people have written blog posts about camping in bear country. I am going to add
another. I have spent many years camping and backpacking on the east coast.
This summer, my family and I experienced camping in the west for the first
time, in <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm">Grand Teton National Park</a>. This is BEAR country. Being a Master
Educator and MD State Advocate for <a href="http://www.lnt.org/">Leave No Trace</a>, I have learned and taught
others about respecting wildlife when hiking and camping. Respecting wildlife
includes recreating in bear habitat.</span><br />
<div class="Body1">
There isn't a difference between how to camp
and hike in bear country on the east as opposed to the west. However, there is
a huge difference in the attitude and proactive education that is done by the
National Park and people who live in grizzly country. Campers on the east
receive minimal education on how to camp among wildlife. Most state and all
National parks on the east post the Leave No Trace principals on trail head
signs and in campgrounds. Some may extend beyond: to remind you to put food in
a car or hang it when not in use, dispose of trash properly and stay a safe
distance away from bears.</div>
<div class="Body1">
I am sure many of you have heard the horror
stories of people being attacked by bears, whether they suddenly come upon a
mother and cubs or the bear enters a campsite wanting food. These scenes are
unfortunately true but not prevalent. One reason is because many of the western
National Parks are doing a fantastic job educating hikers and campers about
being safe in bear country.</div>
<div class="Body1">
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm"> "Be Bear Aware"</a> is Grand Teton and
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm">Yellowstone</a> National Parks bear safety educational campaign. </div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Be
Bear Aware educational displays include: a trailer at Willow Flats, display
boards in all the visitor centers and campground offices, a pamphlet
distributed at the entrance stations, an article in the Grand Teton Guide,
posters in all park bathrooms, billboards in populated areas and placards on
all park picnic tables. The message saturates the Park.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX5vpvaQURccVtXEifg5J5VAYoF6Ho2LZ0AydEIszQ0r07dYovsMtiFsVQukcNj7lv36kAGQVMHZreAR6IvOBXu_Ao2QK3P0TT4f3LZJZ6vAAD5M09KumepUWA10OnX1fQe-xdciLsMU/s1600/be+bear+aware+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMX5vpvaQURccVtXEifg5J5VAYoF6Ho2LZ0AydEIszQ0r07dYovsMtiFsVQukcNj7lv36kAGQVMHZreAR6IvOBXu_Ao2QK3P0TT4f3LZJZ6vAAD5M09KumepUWA10OnX1fQe-xdciLsMU/s320/be+bear+aware+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign is on all picnic tables in <br />
Grand Teton and Yellowstone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>At
all campsites, picnic locations and strategically placed spots (where people
tend to picnic along lakes and in scenic locations), large steel bear boxes are
located for people to place their food. <span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Bear
proof trash and recycling cans are located in all populated locations.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Rangers
educate visitors at all presentations and activities.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Rangers
check campsites each evening, either receiving individual education or a
warning notice when violating the bear safety rules. The warnings can include a
paper notice of your violation, confiscation of your gear and/or a fine. On our
first night in the Park, we received a warning notice because we left our site
with the water bottles still on the picnic table.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Each
backpacker receives a bear canister when obtaining a backcountry camping permit
with full instructions on how to use it.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
Be Bear
Aware includes:</div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Never
allow a bear to get food. If in the presence of a bear, store your food and
move away to a safe distance.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Place
all food and scented items in a bear box or hard-sided car. These include:
food, cooking dishes and utensils, coolers, water bottles and dispensers, drink
cans and bottles, wash bins and soap, stoves and grills, toiletries and pet
food. Never leave these items in your tent or out if not present.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Never
leave your backpack or dry bag, if on the water, unattended. Bears can swim!<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Dispose
of all trash, even micro-trash, and recyclables in receptacles.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Rat-out
your fellow campers who are not following the bear safety rules. I did. At
Jenny Lake, fellow campers left a grocery bag of garbage hanging in a tree.
Yikes!<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>When
hiking, talk, sing or clap often to make your presence known (this is more
effective than bear bells). Bears will move away when they hear people. Don't
use head phones or ear buds when hiking. Hike in groups and during the day.
Bears are most active at dawn, dusk and at night.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>Carrying
and using bear spray is a proven strategy if charged by a bear. Carry it on
your waistline for immediate use. <span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>If
a bear approaches or charges you: first, DO NOT RUN; second, stand still. When
bears charge, they will often veer off into the woods before attacking. If so,
slowly back away once the bear is in the woods. Bears charge because hikers
surprise them when they are protecting a food source or their young. If
attacked, lie on your stomach with your legs slightly separated and your hands
held together over the back of your head. Be silent and don't move. When the
bear stops attacking and leaves, lie still for a few more minutes.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
Source - "Grand Teton Guide,"
Summer 2012</div>
<div class="Body1">
The campgrounds, picnic areas, high use
trails and scenic areas in Grand Teton were very clean; much more than ones on
the east coast. Often campsites in state and national parks in the east have
micro-trash scattered around, in the campfire pits and around picnic tables.
Micro-trash is often also visible on high use trails. Contrary to many national
parks in the west, trash, including micro-trash, is hard to find. I attribute
this to the presence of bears, grizzly and black, and the educational campaign
that saturates the minds of most visitors. </div>
<div class="Body1">
It is important that people are proactive in
their recreating practices to minimize the habitation of bears in our parks. A
habituated bear is a dangerous one that must be killed. Bears are essential
predators in their ecosystem's food web, in addition to being natural wonders.
Before this trip, I considered myself knowledgable about recreating with bears.
However, camping and hiking in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone has allowed me
to experience recreating in grizzly country and increased my awareness and
knowledge to "Be Bear Aware." <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-19241848786531438392012-06-16T15:29:00.002-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.597-04:00Trail Discovery for Kids: Blue Mash Trail, Montgomery Co.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ70I7BO02hHqQIm12VDTAnFXjscrgrGm_TzKUsB4fmQdeZ12cJoBdFOroZzc8dXWf9kw2sGyQx8TmiBRrTLOGBi5MvdAl0A55BnYjW1XYHFL-G8unbSEmDGnA0R4PnlZnTB_tM2rEcgk/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ70I7BO02hHqQIm12VDTAnFXjscrgrGm_TzKUsB4fmQdeZ12cJoBdFOroZzc8dXWf9kw2sGyQx8TmiBRrTLOGBi5MvdAl0A55BnYjW1XYHFL-G8unbSEmDGnA0R4PnlZnTB_tM2rEcgk/s200/008.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bio-retention pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczEixTi1ZTQcAzJ1u4gE9qfabV5dcLO23V6r_vvJQ4bDvVXxlxa9AchAO89md6eUcyB7KhBbHcHZpW0zdIwRfhpucqLfusd6CKWw-9aqNnTFtW2kmx83XJpskjOcxuGSgqVHiSamKKhs/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczEixTi1ZTQcAzJ1u4gE9qfabV5dcLO23V6r_vvJQ4bDvVXxlxa9AchAO89md6eUcyB7KhBbHcHZpW0zdIwRfhpucqLfusd6CKWw-9aqNnTFtW2kmx83XJpskjOcxuGSgqVHiSamKKhs/s200/005.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">June 2012 Highlighted Hike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Blue Mash Trail<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Laytonsville, MD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Trail Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">This
2 mile circuit hike in northern Montgomery County surrounds the long-closed
Oaks Landfill and its reservoir system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
trail is a mowed-field path with no elevation gain or loss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Surrounding
the trail is a meadow ecosystem with succession of immature deciduous trees,
such as river birch, sycamore, red oaks and red maples, and conifer trees,
mostly cedar, supported by a an understory of witch hazel and viburnum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
parking lot is on the west side of Zion Rd. in Laytonsville. It is marked by a
small, brown sign labeled Blue Mash Trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">In
the parking lot, use the trailhead at the end of the parking lot and hike the
circuit counterclockwise. When reaching the reservoir, hike to the right
counterclockwise one-third around it and then the trail will enter a tunnel of
cedar and deciduous trees. Shortly after exiting this treed tunnel, make the
second right at the trail intersection. At the second intersection, turn left
with the landfill being on the right side. At the third intersection, turn
right with the landfill continuing to be on the right. The trail will dead end
and turn to the left on a gravel road. This will lead you back to the parking
lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">To
hike a shorter 1.25 mile circuit, turn left at the first trail intersection and
continue straight at the third intersection essentially cutting of two sides of
a triangle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW4mg0XnAjq2YBhuz0_qvRlm6cJDU__lUkOqHSjVHZsbplXJhbCX1kmed4TkY7K8sssfPzTN7qvvtO-sof8So0BWTy-ufDzf5LuI4H4-gyU9_ArWI7494cQ2hki2SR4hSblNlPS-AnQ0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW4mg0XnAjq2YBhuz0_qvRlm6cJDU__lUkOqHSjVHZsbplXJhbCX1kmed4TkY7K8sssfPzTN7qvvtO-sof8So0BWTy-ufDzf5LuI4H4-gyU9_ArWI7494cQ2hki2SR4hSblNlPS-AnQ0/s200/009.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunnel of trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
hike is jogging stroller friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><a href="http://www.montgomeryparks.org/PPSD/ParkTrails/trails_MAPS/trailmap_pdfs/BlueMash_trail.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Trail map</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Age Appropriateness</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">This
hike is appropriate for all ages due to a flat, wide trail that has no
obstacles for feet or jogging strollers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">What is fun for kids?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Kids
and parents can fill their tummies with as many raspberries and blackberries as
their heart’s desire. The trail is full of berry plants. The best time to go is
the end of June into July. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">In
May, the meadows are full of raspberry and blackberry flowers, buttercups,
crown vetch, milkweed and sprouting Joe Pye weed which blooms at the end of the
summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
meadow invites a lot of butterflies, such as many varieties of swallowtail,
monarchs, and skippers, and 32 different species of birds have been identified
along the trail making it a great birding destination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Look
for and listen to frogs and turtles along the reservoir.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Caution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Because
it is a sunny meadow with few shady spots, it is best to visit this trail on a
day with lower temperatures or at the beginning or end of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Bring
bug spray and wear long pants to help protect against ticks and gnats.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">There
is no bathroom or trash cans; therefore, pack out your garbage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-73413085639005681112012-05-30T09:51:00.001-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.730-04:00A Mama Ah Hah Moment!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rslVBnhctQLR4A9DoK9VjpfSeDLpThBvqi2qP0aG8iZd_i_YbzuSLn93fSvNOm9WDqtRQ_0xxLKWkSkjZelwKDEd1hABpVUWvSSMZCbYj8qEf6Gkquo7aGh_iXt_iz0XYkYPcQ09pXo/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rslVBnhctQLR4A9DoK9VjpfSeDLpThBvqi2qP0aG8iZd_i_YbzuSLn93fSvNOm9WDqtRQ_0xxLKWkSkjZelwKDEd1hABpVUWvSSMZCbYj8qEf6Gkquo7aGh_iXt_iz0XYkYPcQ09pXo/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I am a competitive person. It is in my Chambers' genes and has been passed down for hundreds of generations that I am sure. If I am not competing against another person than I am competing against myself - seeking the next best PR or one upping the last adventure. Until this weekend.<br />
<div>
This Memorial Day weekend, my son, six years old, and I biked and camped the C&O Canal in Western Maryland. We parked at Little Orleans and assembled our gear in a trailer graciously lent to me by a good friend. At noon, we mounted our bikes and headed five miles north to Devils Alley campsite. After pitching the tent and eating lunch, my intended goal was to bike ten more miles north to the Paw Paw Tunnel where I could share with him this unique engineering feat and the micro ecosystem that lays at its mouth. The competitive mama was in denial that my son was not going to be able to bike ten miles north and then back. I expressed my goal aloud and maintained my cheerleading stance throughout the ride to the campsite and then on our quest to the tunnel. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery, particularly the hundreds of butterflies, and I relished in the quality time I was spending with him. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQcfOaTUs-tq5tvx4eCljfLvlMvfdPMp3Wk6e1ubpn-5D8yAfFd588Zx69J4LoHTfXSJIxkyMu7K_cyLGZST0GMarw_pA93TBIBLHq-iYhmqNXOjcgJkyQ4gShutfFFW6iDyRdQRwM_8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQcfOaTUs-tq5tvx4eCljfLvlMvfdPMp3Wk6e1ubpn-5D8yAfFd588Zx69J4LoHTfXSJIxkyMu7K_cyLGZST0GMarw_pA93TBIBLHq-iYhmqNXOjcgJkyQ4gShutfFFW6iDyRdQRwM_8/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a> Five miles into my goal to reach the tunnel, he stopped for the tenth time and announced, "I'm tired. Can we turn around?" Two voices went off in my head at the same time. </div>
<div>
The competitive mama's voice said, "Oh, but we haven't reached our goal yet." </div>
<div>
While the compassionate mama's voice said, "Okay, meet him where he's at for the positive experience and turn around." </div>
<div>
Which voice made it out of my mouth? The competitive voice wrestled with the compassionate. "Are you sure you want to turn around?" </div>
<div>
"Yes." he stated. </div>
<div>
"Okay, we will visit the tunnel some other time, " the compassionate voice said. As we headed back to the campsite, he asked how many miles he had biked. Fifteen. "Hey, that is my personal best," he exclaimed with pride.</div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-79881854954425124762012-05-08T21:18:00.000-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.743-04:00Dirty Knees<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNZTaDqJU4sba-xn9tg1qZzMaK2YzKWBeZnBs_saI4wWUfFXUlezFZIMNtZabTeEHAMJ7N14KUwAw5ZgHiznskzkwjKibSfTMI0L_VtdMfOxIRIUJzYjdgUJ6EaSmNogHD_umtSfJYPM/s1600/dirty+knees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNZTaDqJU4sba-xn9tg1qZzMaK2YzKWBeZnBs_saI4wWUfFXUlezFZIMNtZabTeEHAMJ7N14KUwAw5ZgHiznskzkwjKibSfTMI0L_VtdMfOxIRIUJzYjdgUJ6EaSmNogHD_umtSfJYPM/s320/dirty+knees.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty knees and sticky fingers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dirty knees! These words conjure up a lot of images, particularly in the minds of moms who do a majority of the laundry. In my house that would be my husband; therefore, I wonder what images come to the forefront of his mind when he sees our kid's dirty knees.<br />
This weekend, my family and three others went camping in my favorite DC spot - Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay (read my <a href="http://www.hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2011/05/secret-no-more-patuxent-river-park.html">May 2011 review of Jug Bay</a>). Shortly after arriving on Friday evening, all eight kid's knees were dusty from running up and down the trail, kneeling on the dirty dock and sitting by the campfire to roast marshmallows. Saturday morning's bright sunshine brought aquatic adventures. The kids couldn't wait to get the rented canoes and kayaks to explore the abundant wildlife along the shore and show off their paddling skills to one another. They all negotiated who was going to kayak back to the dock by themselves and who was paddling a canoe; yes, with an adult. Upon reaching the campsite dock, negotiations continued.<br />
Most of us forgot that the Patuxent River is a tidal river and the tide was vacating the shore. Results, muck! Thick, dark grey muck - the kind that suctions everything that accidently falls on top of it. Including three girls. Well that was last year when two of them tried to walk along, what they thought was, the dry shore. Nope, they quickly sunk to their knees. The third tried to be the savior. That failed also. As parents, we watched the scenario unfolded, including problem solving to unsuction their limbs from the thick, dark quicksand. The clean-up job with no bathrooms was fun. Not! So this year when the tide was out by lunch time, the kids were hungry and wanted to dock. The life line was deployed and water skiing on mud took place.<br />
For me, kid's dirty knees mean they are engaging in imaginative adventures outdoors, laughing, smiling and being carefree and independent. The best part of the weekend was watching my kids and their friends be excited to create fun for themselves however they decided - following the inlet paths among the reeds on a kayak, using sticks as weapons to conquer an opponent or territory, sleeping in a tent without a parent, sharing a hammock or a seat on the dock to chat and learning to paddle a canoe to be the captain of your own ship. Dirty knees = outdoor happiness!Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170179281004293389.post-62010495597267698502012-04-30T17:32:00.001-04:002017-06-02T17:34:06.695-04:00Trail Discovery for Kids: Hazel Mountain Trail, SNP<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X0-S1XM-Jw0XXvhiNLHK9N6JjzV4UbinO4cEbYPUrW1w_btAxQ8IalpDFfZSwa5vKcR1HIyZCtciwwdHy9gE7f8IgPBmwywPvoG6B2dtVF6j9Zm5B92hE1RlVbtjsKTi3ShD7wzsUBI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7X0-S1XM-Jw0XXvhiNLHK9N6JjzV4UbinO4cEbYPUrW1w_btAxQ8IalpDFfZSwa5vKcR1HIyZCtciwwdHy9gE7f8IgPBmwywPvoG6B2dtVF6j9Zm5B92hE1RlVbtjsKTi3ShD7wzsUBI/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall and swimming hole</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">May 2012 Highlighted Hike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hazel Mountain Trail <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm">Shenandoah National Park (SNP)</a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Trail Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">This 5 mile out and back hike gently
descends the ridge top with its final destination being a cave and waterfall
off the White Rocks Trail.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The trail head is just after the 33
mile marker on Skyline Drive.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The total elevation loss and gain is
800 feet.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">At the trail head, turn right onto the
Hazel Mountain Trail and descend the ridge line 600 feet for 1.6 miles until
you reach the trail intersection with the White Rocks Trail. Turn left on to
this trail. Follow it as it stays level with the ridge for three-quarters of a
mile. The White Rocks Trail then descends 200 feet the last quarter of a mile
before you reach a small sign on the right that point to the waterfall and
cave.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">To access the cave and waterfall,
follow a steep and long set of stairs down the ridge (150 feet in .2 miles).
Both the waterfall and cave are to the right at the bottom of the stairs. Once
there, allocate an hour to discover the natural wonders.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">You can reach the waterfall and cave
from the other direction on the White Rocks and Hazel River Trails from the
base of SNP on Rt. 600. Read <a href="http://www.hikingalongtrails.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html">August
2010 Discovery for Kids</a>.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/common/commonspot/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=shen&parkname=Shenandoah">Park
map</a> and <a href="http://mrhyker.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/snp-hazelmt-w.JPG">trail
map</a>.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Age Appropriateness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">This hike is
best for active children over the age of 6 due to the length, elevation gain
and the steepness of the stairs to the waterfall and cave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">What is fun for kids?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Finding and entering the mouth of the
cave. The Appalachian Mountains are littered with limestone caves. <span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Cooling off under the waterfall and
in the swimming hole.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Rock scrambling along the Hazel River
at the waterfall.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">During spring, observe the
wildflowers, such as Dutchman's Breeches and Lady Slippers in April and
Mountain Laurel in May.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">A few unofficial camping sites are
across the trail from the cave and waterfall trail head.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Caution<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Don't venture too far into the cave.
It is best to explore caves with a guide (someone who knows the routes within
the cave), a guide line, helmet, head lamp and emergency supplies.<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">There are no bathrooms at the trail
head. The closest ones are 3 miles away at the Thorton Gap entrance station. </span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">There are no trash cans; therefore,
trash must be packed out.</span></div>Hiking Alonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14631666881419885465noreply@blogger.com0