OUTDOOR Adventures

BY BRIAN G. SCHOMMER

Growing up in the 1970’s and 80’s, you could find me and several friends on any given Saturday afternoon glued to the television waiting to hear the words that in many ways may have helped shaped a large part of my generation. If you are too young to remember, or you were not surrounded by sports nuts like I was, here are those words. “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… This is “ABC’s Wide World of Sports!” The guy wiping out on the ski jump as Jim McKay belted out “and the agony of defeat” was the point that I always realized that no matter how hard I try or just how skilled I may be at something, failure was always a possibility. What does this have to do with “Outdoor Adventures?” Have you ever seen an indoor ski jump? Wait, do not answer that as I am sure they exist, but a TRUE ski jump is outdoors. Proof can be found off Interstate 494 by Woodbury and, Bloomington as well. “That’s a stretch,” you might be saying. My reply: “Have you ever read this column?” Also, if blasting down what appears to be a snow packed ramp on a pair of skis, launching oneself into the air without as much as a safety net is not adventurous (and insane) to you, then your limits for adventure might not exist.

Regarding our environment, I am talking more about the surroundings or conditions in which we live or operate versus the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as affected by human activity, such as littering (please be kind, and pick up your trash… but that is probably next week’s column). Occasionally I am told by a reader or two that the “Outdoor Adventures” column impacted them in a positive way. Regular readers, all 39 of you, have allowed this column to become part of your environment and as a columnist, I am humbled. Our publisher really appreciates it too, as your subscription helps pay the bills (so, thank you!!!). ABC’s Wide World of Sports was not about watching the guy crash on the ski jump, it was about gathering and sharing time with others while developing interests, hopes, and even a few dreams. That is what the “Great Outdoors” provides for all of us, and there is so much to learn about, no matter how long you have been walking around and taking in nourishment.

For example, if you get the chance to head down to the Mississippi Riverfront in Hastings and get on the trail system, you will be able to learn many things. You can learn about the highest water levels ever during flood seasons, you can learn about music, you can learn that not everybody is as concerned about how things look and leave their pop (soda for you non-Minnesota types) cans, food bags and cigarette butts strewn all along the trail and you can even learn about various bridges that crossed Old Man River in Hastings. You can find out about native grasses and other little bits of information on various interpretive signage along the way. Another interesting fact is that ducks and geese do not have any interest in being sanitary when it comes to doing their business as needed. You may have known all this before but hey, a good reminder is often good for the soul.

If you are in Cottage Grove, there are plenty of other outdoor areas that should you decide to stretch your legs a bit and get some fresh air coupled with some Vitamin D (the sun provides this for free, sorry to the pharmaceutical folks trying to sell their tablet forms) can also provide this type of learning. Again, just like those Saturday afternoons, it was rare that any of us were alone watching Wide World of Sports. Quite the contrary, we probably talked all week and set a time and place for the weeks “adventure.” Often, it was at the McGinnis house because they had a kick-butt activity room, and their yard was easily transformed into playing fields and courts of many types. What I am trying to say is that maybe on of these upcoming Saturdays, you should call some friends together and plan a little “Outdoor Adventure.” If you really want to be bold, cross the old Mississippi/St. Croix divide and support the economy in the other State. Just do not ask what kind of “pop” they have in Wisconsin because you may get popped in the nose. For certain, the “mudduck” tag will be obvious. Now “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.”