This is the time of year when I start to dream of sunny days and warm weather. This picture was taken in the tropical room at Hidden Lake Gardens. I wish I were these fronds soaking up the sun. I’m excited about getting outside today as the temperature is going to be above freezing. On the other hand it means I’ll finally have a chance to scoop up poop that the golden retriever left for me…ha! Despite the stinky chores I still love this time of year. I love the smell of spring…which is basically just the smell of fresh air….and not the smell of a musty house that has been closed up all winter long. My wife and I began to plan our spring break vacation this weekend. We always head to the Smoky Mountains to visit my parents and do a little hiking. We plan to hike to Mt. LeConte again. Hopefully we’ll get another day of clear weather and great views. We also plan to hike to Rocky Top again. The last time we were there we were hiking the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies. I remember sitting on top of Rocky Top enjoying lunch and watching the clouds roll in. It’s so peaceful up there. No lazy tourists, no cars, no roads, no worries….just great views, fresh air and the sound of the wind pushing over the ridgeline. Anyway, the cross country skis get put away today. It’s time to start digging out the backpacking gear….not the serious AT gear but the smaller dayhiking gear and camelbaks. I may even try to lube up the mountain bikes to take them with us this year. I would like to bike around Cades Cove. Cades Cove is open to walkers and bikers for a few hours before they let cars in. When the cars come in you may as well be in New York City. National Parks were created to preserve and to be enjoyed by all. But our oil loving government turned it into “to be enjoyed by all….in cars”. I’m hoping this changes soon…for the sake of preservation and for the planet. People…get out of your frickn’ cars and walk…hike….bike. I’m not the only one who thinks this way. Read Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey.
The Heron 