Far Behind

Spring has sprung.
This past winter was quite mild by northern plains standards, but the whole it's spring concept makes me positively giddy!
One thing that I love almost as much as fall foliage is the renewal in march and April. This year, I'd love to go up to Great Bear or Palisades State Park with the family and just wander.
I love hiking. Despite almost 30 years of it, I'm still definitely an amateur. I like to compare it to a walk in the woods.
A slow stroll on a well planned path.
I really want to share my love of the outdoors and the exhilarating feelings I get with my family. The joy I get from being in the woods, surrounded by nature is astounding. I remember years ago, coming to a clearing out of the woods and seeing a herd of deer. It was mesmerizing.
That is what I want to nurture in my son.
He has been exposed to nature education since he's been in my life. We are very fortunate to have the Outdoor Campus (http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor%2Dlearning/outdoor%2Dcampus/) here. Little Man started with the sprouts program in preschool and has continued to today. He has learned about animals, habitats and more. Thanks to them, we snow shoe, cross country ski, kayak and ice fish.
When I need my hiking fix, I take to their trails with the puppy dog. We have logged many miles through the woods and prairie. For the most part, it is peaceful with just natural distractions for the puppy (every so often, another dog may dare to visit our trails).
I have been deliberate and diligent in introducing my son to the great outdoors. I want him to appreciate nature as much as I do, and to conserve it as a result. There is a spiritual component as well. A clearing in a forest can be equivalent to a soaring cathedral. A waterfall is a conversation with G-d. Sunlight streaming through the trees is like a hug from the Creator.
When I hike, it's a moving meditation. A silent prayer. The rest of the world is far behind.