OUTDOOR Adventures

BY BRIAN G. SCHOMMER

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, our thoughts turn to what we appreciate most in life. The definition of the word appreciation is “a feeling or expression of admiration, approvals, or gratitude.” Looking up the definition got me to thinking, “how can I tie this into this week’s column?” For somebody whose mind tends to go in several different directions at any given time, let us just say that the thoughts began to bounce around like cars during a first snowfall. Here are a few things that I am thankful for, maybe you can relate.

I am grateful to live in a place that offers so much diversity when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities. No matter the season, outdoor adventures await that have the potential to make life more enjoyable. Even as a spectator; the opportunities are endless. If you lived in Florida, the last time you could go outside to make a snow angel was 1989. This was on the internet, so it must be true. I saw at least a dozen of them today just driving around town. How boring would it be to live in a place that things are generally the same? Muy Aburrido The abundance of visual stimulation provided by the seasons is something that I truly appreciate. For example, cloudy days help me appreciate even more the sunny days, so even though I appreciate cloudy days less, without them I could not fully appreciate sunny ones. On cloudy days though, that usually is not most of our mindset. We far too often tend to dwell on the negatives. If you spend any time on social media, you know exactly what I mean. The definition of thankful is to be “conscious of the benefit received.” The benefits on a cloudy day are plenty if you look for them. Take a day like today with the snow falling against a gray sky. Instead of letting the clouds bring me down, I am reminded that snowmobiling, ice fishing or sitting in a hot tub under a starry sky is closer to happening than it was two weeks ago and for this, I am thankful.

Who am I most thankful for, at least regarding the outdoors? People who pick up after others, be it part of their job or on a volunteer basis. I have a deep appreciation for the various businesses and organizations who participate in “Adopt a Park” or “Adopt a Highway” type projects and feel they deserve more than just a sign by the park or highway. I also have a huge affinity for the folks who help keep our rivers, streams, lakes, and other bodies of water clean. I am grateful for the time, talent, and treasures given by others to help make our world a better place instead of “sitting on their duff” waiting for others to pitch in, as my Grandpa Schommer used to say. I can only imagine what he would say with the world we currently live in. It would not be printable, that is for sure.

In addition to the varied scenery generated by the changes of the seasons and people who put the environment, if not on top, towards the top of their list, the sound of the outdoors is another thing that I appreciate. Sometime when you are outside, just stop and listen for a bit. If you are in a place where nature surrounds you, you will be blessed with many sounds, if you listen hard enough. For example, while on stand deer hunting a few weeks ago, I heard the rustling of leaves, sticks, and twigs cracking, and what sounded like footsteps. I heard different birds chirping which I imagined was the telling each other, “Dude, it’s getting cold… time to head south.” I was caught off guard by a large flock of geese that in addition to their commonly recognized “honking,” they sounded like a jet as the “whoosh” of their wings kept them in flight. From the sound of the wind to a babbling brook, the sounds of the outdoors are something that I truly am appreciative of.

If we look for things to be appreciated, we shouldn’t have a problem finding them. As I close out this week’s column, I would be remiss if I did not extend a bit of gratitude to you, the subscribers, and readers of The Journal. It is on those days when “writers block” sets in that you become my truest motivation. I appreciate the many comments, compliments, and occasionally, critiques of “Outdoor Adventures.” It is my goal to put out a light-hearted, thought-provoking, and fun column each week for your enjoyment. Without you, there is no “Outdoor Adventures” column. Happy Thanksgiving… Now “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.” P.S. Muy Aburrido means very boring.