"If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than sorrow, we must achieve more than just the miracles of technology. We must also leave them a glimpse of the world as it was created, not just as it looked when we got through with it." - Lyndon B. Johnson
Kids are not in the plans for Matt and I, but I still want to hope--and do my part to ensure--that future generations of Americans can have the same sort of priceless, tranformative experiences in the great cathedrals of nature that I have been blessed with. That's why I try to live as lightly on our earth as I can and volunteer my time with groups that promote wildlife and wilderness conservation, and environmental sustainability. I want there to be clean, free running rivers and streams. I want there to be mountains to climb and forests to explore. I want there to be condors and sea turtles. I am grateful for so many of the achievements of our human civilizations, but I don't want it at the expense of these things. Without the pounding waterfalls,dazzling wild flowers, powerful mountain thunderstorms, massive glaciers, lumbering bears, or open sky our world would be a poorer one. Even if I don't see them--just knowing they are there in all their wild, insensibly beautiful glory is enough.
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Some of my best memories are when I spent time alone in the wilderness.. new (to me), less traveled, incredibly beautiful places. Driving through the hills of California watching the windmills churn, photographing birds flying along the beach near Haystack Rock, and battling 50mph winds at the edge of the ocean at Point Reyes National Seashore. *In fact, I wrote a CNN iReport on my experience at Point Reyes, email me at adoseoftlc@gmail.com if you'd like me to read the article :) I just wished I lived somewhere more asthetically exciting *sigh* But the people I love are here, so I will stay and be content with traveling as the budget allows.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that my town is the prettiest place--I mean its not ugly either, but its no mountain town. Our region up here is a wonder, I will say that though. So, if I can get to those places in a mere couple hours I am all over it. Repeatedly. I'm sure there must be some hidden gems near by. And being near the people you love is certainly an important consideration. If it wasn't I would have moved to New Zealand already. :)
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