Nature - Wed., Apr. 16

Nature has always been my favorite hangout. Give me a waterfall, mountains, ocean, desert, hiking trails, wildlife and I am a happy lady.

Happy lady!

Just about any place that isn't the middle of a city gets my vote for a place to spend quality time. Listening to waterfalls splashing, creeks tumbling, oceans crashing, birds singing, coyotes howling, burros braying, elk bugling, bison snuffling, wildcats screaming, bees buzzing, and bullfrogs croaking makes a natural symphony.

Elk in Yellowstone National Park, Aug. 9, 2102

Our parents took us on wonderful vacations when we were young. We went to the Alabama Hills off US 395 in southern California, Yosemite National Park, out to the Mojave Desert early in the morning, and had a cabin in Idyllwild, CA (for weekend getaways from the L.A. area). We caught lizards, hopped boulders in rivers, collected pine cones, waded in ice-cold streams that made your feet tingle, fished in mountain lakes, hiked and breathed fresh air. Wonderful memories.

I've always been into nature. When I was in high school we lived out in the country near Newberg, Oregon. At night, I would walk in the light of the full moon - a moon so bright the shadows of the trees were clearly visible. It was quiet enough to hear sheep baaing and cattle lowing from across the valley.

As parents, we took our boys camping, hiking to waterfalls, to the beach, skiing, and on vacations to Hawaii to snorkel, hike and play in the ocean. I think the boys appreciated it.

Here is a poem I wrote in high school. It's as relevant today as it was then.

Where I'll Be Found

The huge oak tree at the water's side

The river flowing deep and wide, 

The moon's soft shadows on the ground,

This is the place where I'll be found.

I love the natural, wooded scene

Where everything is so serene.

My mind is filled with happiness,

I know I'll never like it less.

It was created for you and me

To go and enjoy every tree,

All the animals, plants and rocks

Nature doesn't have any locks.

Copyright Susan Alton 11/26/69

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