ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM

The idea began after one of those Scholastic Book Fairs that we all remember from our childhood.  Elementary and Middle School libraries, all across the nation, were converted into mini-store promoting reading and selling books and other knickknacks to school aged children.  (As a side note...as times have changed these Scholastic Book fairs have gone the way of the Dodo bird.)  Sometime during my first few years of teaching I escorted a group of kiddos down to the mobile trailer that was temporarily serving as our school's library while the building was under construction and I spied a book of recipes.  What caught my eye was a children's book that outlined basic items that Lewis and Clark (and the Corps of Discovery) packed and ate while on their epic journey.  The seed for what would become one of my favorite parts of my school year was planted that day at the Scholastic Book Fair. Three very nerdy middle school teachers...Eric Gimbi, Dave Raymond, and Mike G...

"Me time" is important but even the most introverted of us are feeling the strain of social distancing right now. While it is necessary, it sure doesn't seem natural.  As an educator, I seriously miss being in my classroom...it is, after all, my chosen profession.  As a son, I'm frustrated that I don't feel comfortable making the drive two hours west and visit my dad and Mary Jane.  As a father, it sucks that my son can't celebrate his 21st birthday today with his friends...like I'm sure he has envisioned for a long time.  (Selfishly, I'm glad he's spending it at home.)  And yes, the provider in me is annoyed, and increasingly concerned, that finding toilet paper for my family is like actually finding treasure on Oak Island.   Maintaining my social distance and straddling the Cumberland/Adams County line in Michaux State Forest .  - March 24, 2020 Here, in York County, Pennsylvania, even though the facilities in State Parks are close...

Life is one step in front of the other.  For those of us who mountain bike life can be described as the the continuous cranking of the pedals.  No matter if you choose to take a hike or to ride a bike...it's that sense of beauty, exhilaration, fun, and inspiration that propels us forward down the trail.  But...what about that trail that passes beneath our feet and disappears under our rolling tires?  I can't believe that I'm the only person who has ever paused to wonder who originally blazed it?  Who maintains it?  What historic figures may have traveled on it?  And...if the trail could talk...what would it say?... what stories could it tell?... and what advice would it give? Possibly something as simple as this: WALK INTO BEAUTY STAY ON YOUR PATH FIND INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY TURN TREAD LIGHTLY PACK LIFE WITH GOOD MEMORIES EVERY DAY HAS IT'S UPS AND DOWNS WATCH YOUR STEP! Enjoy! ADVICE FROM A TRAIL -- YOUR TRUE NATURE WALK I...