I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good movie, a new book, or a ride at an amusement park. But really, where else can you get free entertainment that is as stunning to look at, and as fun to be in, as our natural environment? I spent over 4 hours yesterday just hiking around the Rio Grande river and was mesmerized (as I always am) at the river, the rocks, the old cars in the arroyos, the color of the sky, the height of the cliffs, and the silence of it all. Not a noise to be heard other than the river itself and the occasional sound of a hawk swooping down to get something to eat. Talk about slowing down and taking it all in! I try to get out in nature several days a week, if not more, because it helps me feel more relaxed and calm. Whenever things get too hectic for me, the place I head for first is a favorite hiking trail that will get my heart pumping and reward me with an amazing view at the end. Nature definitely has its own way of healing, that’s for sure! To me, there really isn’t any entertainment I could pay for that could come close to what nature provides for free. Here are some shots from yesterday’s hike:
Yes, that’s a purple station wagon at the bottom!
Ever feel the same way about getting outside and experiencing our natural surroundings? Let me know what you think!
The pictures are beautiful, but I am just not an outdoors kind of girl. Unless you’re talking a lounge chair by a pool with a good book and a drink in hand (and hopefully limited bugs). Then I could stay outside all day! 🙂
I’m with you David!
Unfortunately right now I’m trying to heal a couple of old injuries that have me couched. Once I’m up and running again, I try to head out several times a week as well…midweek has to be in city, luckily we have many parks around Seattle that are darn close to nature, and I live in between two of the best!
Totally agree! Luckily I live on the NW Oregon Coast – 10 minutes from the Pacific Beaches and 10 minutes from woodsy drives/hikes. Nothing cures my soul faster than a walk on the beach near sunset with the waves roaring in and the vastness of the ocean and sky before me. Any problem I have pales in significance with the glory of that awesome sight!
Somedays, it’s just a fun tailgate picnic up where we go woodcutting – looking off the side of the mountain at the green view below and beyond, with no sign of buildings anywhere in view – awesome! Rejuvenating. Soul cleansing! Peaceful!