In Praise of the Great Outdoors
As a girl growing up in Northwestern Pennsylvania, I recall my brothers and I spending more time outdoors than in. Winters were no exception! We’d get all bundled up, with the help of an enthusiastic mom, who was eager to facilitate our fun (and maybe to steal a little time to herself). Sent out the door with all of the love in the world wrapped around us, we’d snap an icicle off the low hanging back porch eave, take a couple of licks, and then toss it into the heaps of white as we grabbed our sleds and saucers and headed for the glistening hills. Our favorite place was a neighboring property, a mineral springs spa resort that had a wide variety of terrain. The resort tragically burnt down last year, but I’m sure the cascade of hills still remains, and this summer the space will become home to – what else? – a new brew pub restaurant!
Springtime was a treasure not usually discovered until April – thanks to Punxsutawney Phil’s knack for seeing his shadow, which perennially appeared on February 2, the sunniest day of the year! The lake effect of nearby Lake Erie also had a hand at keeping us on our toboggans. Spring was patient, and subtly persistent. You could miss the signs at first – or so it seemed to us kids. Maybe it was just a reluctance to change, trading our winter wonderland for the unfolding of buds and bees, green grass and leaves.
The Great Outdoors of Pennsylvania
Ahhh, Summer – the longest days of the year were a license to explore! We’d take our bikes and ride everywhere we could. We’d dip our toes, then our whole selves, into the freezing Mitchell Lake, and warm up afterwards, like walruses, sunning ourselves on the floating docks. Spending the warm days immersed in the lush greenery of every living thing, and being allowed to stay outside all evening until the sun’s final curtain call, which was well past 9:00 PM, was pure joy!
Autumn always seemed to sneak in – recognizable by the first crisp night of the year, or the spying of a turned, fallen leaf. Best of all, it brought my birthday, and a new school year with fresh starts, which meant shopping for school clothes, coats, and new gear for our upcoming season of sledding! Fall, no matter where I am, is still my favorite time.
Though I haven’t lived in my beautifully forested home state for many years, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have grown up there and to have experienced Mother Nature’s full menu. We found things to love about every season, and they all revolved around truly being in it: the great outdoors! Happy Earth Day! May we preserve and protect it for many more!
