During Fairbanks summers, we often drove down to Anchorage with the boys. It's a six hour drive. Generally, we left after Robinson got off work and drove well into the night. The boys always passed out half-way there. We'd shuffle them into my parent's house and the next morning we were at our destination. We rarely wasted a full day traveling south.
That being said, we were fairly certain that the boys could last a few hours in the car but - being as active as they are - we were also certain that we'd need frequent stops. The many rest stops along the way became little beacons of light - reminiscent of a light from a lighthouse. The boys were eager for a stretch and though it took a little longer to reach our destination, it was worth it to have two (relatively) happy boys in the back seat.
When this trip was first conceived and everyone would be going, Dad insisted that we stop at the Indiana Dunes and spend some time on the beach. As it became clear that we'd be unable to go with everyone else, we decided that we'd stop there anyway. We were leaving Friday evening and needed a bit of a head start for the long drive to Niagara Falls. It seemed the perfect place to spend a few hours.The boys enjoyed the dunes but, honestly, what kid wouldn't enjoy having a field of sand and a large body of water to play with? They were upset when we told them we had to leave, with the promise that we would return.
Niagara Falls was an interesting dichotomy: it's the first state park in the United States (established in 1885) and an obnoxious tourist trap. We spent more time waiting in lines than exploring the actual park. Kid you not, the place was set up like an amusement park. I suppose there's nothing wrong with that in theory, right? Anything to get people outside, exploring our country. But what are people really experiencing when a state or national park is essentially turned into a commercial theme park?
I come from a place where "state park" means vast expanses of wilderness and little or no human interference. They are places where you'll see wildlife. Places to hike, camp, or picnic. Places where you can enjoy the scenery.It's hard to enjoy the scenery when you're walking around multi-story shopping centers and restaurants. Granted, this type of commercialism is far-reaching, extending even into Alaska. (Anyone who has driven past Glitter Gulch knows exactly what I'm talking about.)
Don't get me wrong. The falls were amazing.
But we buy too much. We waste too much. We strive to have the newest technology instead of getting by with what we have.
Why should the natural world mimic our every day world?
Short answer? It shouldn't.
The natural world should be a place of refuge, a place to find solace, a place to mentally recharge. It should not be yet another place where we can purchase yet another worthless item.
A challenge for you, my readers: The next time you are outside, put away the technology and take in everything around you. Note the color of the leaves. Smell the air. Examine the trees. Listen to the wind.
Blessed be.
