The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors Through my own experience as an avid outdoorsman, I find that Nature has many enjoyable activities to offer. Some of my friends like to go canoeing and some enjoy swimming in lakes, I find that my favorite outdoor sports are rock climbing, fly fishing and deer hunting. From the sweet smell of maple sap to all the little chirps, whistles and squeaks, I find myself completely relaxed when I am outside. It seems too often that the daily hustle and bustle of everyday work and school can leave a person stressed.
Nature has a natural way of gently stimulating all of our senses and gives us something new to experience every day. Not only is hunting an exhilarating experience but so is the feeling of being surrounded by wilderness. During winter times since I was 12 years old, my father would take me out on long drives in the middle of winter to hunting sites just outside of Edmonton. What made the drive not seem so long was the scenic route we would always take. Every once in a while I would see little white rabbits hopping around and leaving miniature footprints all in the snow next to the road.
Further down the road we would pass a fairly big hill that had two pine trees at the top of it. I always wondered how long they had been there considering the fact that they were over thirty feet high. Finally we would get to the hunting ground and make are way down to a little patch of brush where we would crouch and wait for the deer to pass by. The feeling of the cold snow crunching under my boots, the frost covered branches of the bush we were nestled under, and all the little footprints that surrounded us gave me a feeling of unity with nature.
After hiding in our spots for a long while, usually until my feet and toes were completely frozen it seemed, my father would whisper “Here comes one right now”. A few moments later I’d hear a loud bang and we’d be back on the road with our trophy and bragging rights. We have carried on this tradition every year. Although rock climbing can be dangerous it is definitely something everyone must try at least once. My first time was sort of a fluke. I was randomly selected to go with a group of friends when one of them had cancelled for whatever reason.
I didn’t think I would find it interesting, after all, how much fun could be had climbing a hill. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The Rocky Mountains were the most beautiful, inspiring image that I had ever seen firsthand. It was almost as if nature symbolized its strength and sovereignty through them. Even the clouds above didn’t seem to be too far up from the mountains peak. I threw on some mounting equipment, picks and axe like tools, and began my trek. It was a long voyage and the farther up I climbed, the less I paid attention to time.
Hours later, when we had finally reached the summit we were covered in sweat, dust and debris, but the view we could see was simply breathtaking. Now that we had conquered the slippery slopes and all the little insects that had bit us along the climb I could see the reward while looking over the plain. Every tree, every animal that roamed, even the large busy highway off in the distance looked miniscule. It was as if the mountain that I had once feared, now shared its strength with me and I felt empowered. My friends and I have gone a few times since then and I plan on going again during my next break from school.
Fly fishing is arguably the most rewarding sport that nature has to offer. There is nothing better than catching a four pound sock eye salmon or perhaps the cunning halibut that requires the round shaped hook. I use to go fishing with my uncle who had a medium sized white speed boat. I could never read what the ships name was because of the small scuffs and scratches that were on it from unloading it from the trailer. We would load up our bait, place our lunch and cans of pop in the cooler and head out on the water. I could see all the plankton and algae spreading apart as we would glide over them.
The wind would whistle as it passed by the front of the boat and passed our ears. The summer sun mixed with the mist from the propellers would cover us in a humid residue. After what seemed a short ride in we would turn off the engine and cast our hooks and wait for the sea creatures to bite. Sometimes minutes would go by, other days hours would pass before either of us would catch anything but as soon as we did it was always a celebration. My uncle would always say how much he loved being outdoors and how refreshing it was to get away from the city.
He used to say that nature heals the mind, relaxes the body, and rewards the soul. I couldn’t have agreed more. With all that nature has to offer, one should take advantage and find one’s own personal favorite sport. If climbing isn’t of any interest, maybe hunting would be. If not hunting, maybe cross country skiing. There is a big selection to choose from that can suit each individuals needs. If its exercise that’s needed, or a peaceful escape or perhaps a scenic view, nature is ready and willing to accommodate.
