Holiday trail thoughts
Make the trail part of your holiday and winter days
I savor my morning coffee in a quiet house illuminated by Christmas lights. It’s Christmas Eve morning and the hustle and bustle of the coming days begins in a few hours. I am sharing thoughts on life on the trail and the outdoors this season and time of year.
Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” — John Ruskin
Trails are open year-round. They are a welcome escape from holiday overload. They are a place where friends and family enjoy time together free from the bright lights and commercialism of the season. Nature exposes its hidden side free of summer green and autumn red, orange, and yellow.
I am a fair-weather cyclist. My boots replace my bike as I walk my dogs on the trail. There is solitude in the outdoors joined by a few fellow visitors. The sounds of my breath, chirping birds, rushing water, trees rustling in the wind, and the patter of dog paws reveal a sense of space unseen on the bike.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
The trail is far from silent during the cold weather months in Ohio. Trail maintenance continues. Fallen trees and limbs are cleared. Damage by natural forces to the trail and surroundings are repaired. Trail organizations plan for the year ahead. Grants for improvements and amenities are written.
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” — Susan Sontag
This is the season for dreaming of adventures on the trail and revisiting your bucket list. Inspiration is plentiful online and in social media communities. This is the year to step outside your comfort zone and take on a challenge. The trail offers challenges for people of all ages and abilities.
“One person can make a difference. You don't have to be a big shot. You don't have to have a lot of influence. You just have to have faith in your power to change things.” — Norman Vincent Peale
I have been on a journey of advocacy and support for trails and cycling. I recovered from a heart attack and triple coronary bypass surgery eighteen years ago. I changed my life for the better to have an impact beyond my life. The trail did that. Visit your local trail often and support it in any way you can.
Make the world better for others this season!
Tom on the trails