Memorial Day Camping Part 2: Introspection

Part 1:  Decompression
Part 2:  Introspection

As I walked deliberately in the woods early on our 2nd morning of camping, I got the chance to see lots of wildlife...especially with the goal: 5 miles or bust.  Plus, being in Western Maryland, you are warned as to what to do if you encounter a bear (aka:  look big, sound ominous, don't look it in the eye, and back away slowly ).  No bears for me that morning (thank heavens!), but I definitely got a chance to see a lot of wildlife along my morning jaunt.  Squirrels, deer, birds, butterflies, tadpoles, and more

As I was walking and gawking and generally reflecting on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, I was one with my inner thoughts.  I found myself mentally-narrating my sightings in a Sir David Attenborough style: 

"The scurrying chipmunk. So low to the ground. He scampers far too quickly in the morning glow through the crisp mountain air to be captured (if only by image alone) by the hiker's harmless weapon:  her camera.  Our furry little friend cares not at all for the visiting paparazzi.  No, his thoughts of Darwinian survival are far more pressing to the little fellow's mind. As our outsider approaches with stealth, the keenly-aware chipmunk darts to a rock.  Curious, he peeks out. Alak, alas, he is captured on film, but alert that he is outside of harm's way.  A long glance at his camera-toting space-invader, our squirrel then scuttles off, in search of his morning breakfast bounty."

It's amazing how fulfilling it was, just entertaining myself with the sights and sounds of nature, the silence of one's self. It makes you realize how often we all forget to "take time to smell the roses" and enjoy the unseen obvious that surrounds us.

Two meaningful David Attenborough quotes to ponder in your own introspection:

"Being in touch with the natural world is crucial."

"I mean, it is an extraordinary thing that a large proportion of your country and my country, of the citizens, never see a wild creature from dawn 'til dusk, unless it's a pigeon, which isn't really wild, which might come and settle near them."

Go out and make your own David Attenborough-inspired quotes, or to find some more authentic and actual ones, go to: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/david_attenborough.html#ixzz1NycjHlwd

Camping clipart from http://www.clipartoday.com 

The illusive chipmunk, captured by my own camera before he scurried away.

Memorial Day Camping Part 1: Decompression

There's a song from the 1982 movie "Grease 2" called "Reproduction." I'm not even going to go into it because the words are probably highly inappropriate with their double entendres. 

However, it came to me (in a modified version,) on our first night of camping this past weekend, while I was sitting outside our New Germany, Maryland State Park cabin, listening to the rain.

"Decompression, 

[high pitched echo] decompression..."
Makes you want to go let go.
Decompression, [decompression],
Breathe & just let yourself go slow."

Four hours into camping (yes, cabin camping, but still), and it works wonders!

"Decompression, [decompression]..." 

4 days of the school year left, but here...no TV's, no cellular service, no computers, no smart phone access, no laundry, no chores, no "at-home" distractions that pull you in.

"Decompression, [decompression]..."

Henry David Thoreau is known for his quote: 

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately."

I went out into the woods this weekend.  I lived deliberately. 

I learned a little bit about "Decompression, [decompression]...", and I breathed.  Slowed down to the speed of life.  Decompressed.  Like a magic elixir on my soul, erasing and replacing my "to do's list" that's a mile long...and I succeeded in this task!

Reminds me that there's more than just the outward meaning to "gone fishin'."  It's a camping philosophy.  It's a way of life, and a rescue.  It needs to hope, and to happen, more often. 

Yes, songs should be written about it!


This is going to be Part 1 of a multi-part series about our family camping adventure this long, Memorial Day weekend, 2011. Stay tuned for more to follow!!

Grease 2 image from mhttp://www.amazon.com/Grease-2-Michelle-Pfeiffer/dp/B00008Z45B


Lyrics to "Reproduction" at http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/grease2/reproduction.htm 
Other photos à la moi:  

Team WED 2011

WED?  Wednesday?  Nope.

WED = World Environment Day ~ June 5, 2011

What is this, you ask?   

An annual, global event to promote environmental action.  Of course we want to do this year round (just the same with Earth Day), but sometimes we need those "kick in the pants" days of remembrance to get us in gear.  A time honored tradition since 1972 from the United Nation's Environment Program.  (http://www.unep.org/wed/about/)

This year's theme?   

"Forest:  Nature at Your Service."  Forests cover 1/3 of our landmasses...so to the masses, we need to take care of them. To learn more about the importance of forests to each and every one of us, go to http://www.unep.org/wed/theme/.

This year's host country?  

India.  With 1.2 billion people, they're taking special aim to lessen the pressure that the dense population puts on the forests...so it's a good fit this year given the theme!  (Galore more India info @ http://www.unep.org/wed/news/hostcountry.asp)

So TEAM WED?  

Nope, we're not talking "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob."  Instead, we're talking Team Gisele Bundchen and Team Don Cheadle, the two Goodwill Ambassadors who are urging all to get involved by taking action, doing something for our planet, and registering your action...for every item registered, they are planting trees!  Watch this video to get caught up in the "team" spirit, then pick a "team" for yourself!!

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PsudPXXn00&feature=relmfu)

More Wonderful WED Finds:

For an amazing short WED informative film, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, click here 

http://www.unep.org/flvPlayer/share/default.asp?id=3291&l=en

(Darn and drat:  I wanted to embed it here yet kept experiencing technical difficulties--it's truly worth your clicking time!!)

From A-Z: Ways you can help the Earth, in alphabetical order!!

http://www.unep.org/wed/A-Z/

So, what are you doing June 5th??

Video & Images from http://www.unep.org/wed/