Yesterday I took a trip to the west side of Michigan to climb the dunes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (This is also the second time that I used my lifetime Senior National Park Pass – an awesome value at $10.00.) The major benefit to climbing the dunes in October is the cool weather and the absence of the million other visitors that come to Sleeping Bear Dunes each year. (Hikers have increased in numbers since the National Geographic book, categorized this park under “The 10 Best of Everything National Parks”).
Upon reaching the summit, I could not help but say: Thank you Teddy Roosevelt (our conservation president). His vision and love of the land has made an impact on our country that I do appreciate. Regardless of how one evaluates his methods: “Speak softly and carry a big stick". He did something while in office that directly impacts the quality of my life over a hundred years later. I am sure without his foresight (or ego); the view before me from the top of the dune, a seemingly endless shoreline framed in blue water and the cascading colors of a Michigan Fall, would be a condo resort.
After the day of hiking, I watched the vice-president debates and could not help but wonder if any of what Biden or Ryan were saying would mark history in a positive light. I did watch to the end (even though Joe Biden’s laughing and smirking was riling me. No communicator should be so rude). Following the debate, I had to turn the television off … I do not need nor want a panel of people to tell me what the candidates said. I want to scream at them: Hey, I was listening! (A side note: Two days later the news channels are still tellling me what I saw.)
After the day of hiking, I watched the vice-president debates and could not help but wonder if any of what Biden or Ryan were saying would mark history in a positive light. I did watch to the end (even though Joe Biden’s laughing and smirking was riling me. No communicator should be so rude). Following the debate, I had to turn the television off … I do not need nor want a panel of people to tell me what the candidates said. I want to scream at them: Hey, I was listening! (A side note: Two days later the news channels are still tellling me what I saw.)
On the night of the debate, after shutting off the noise, I walked out on the porch. With no street lights the evening was dark; I could hear the power of the great lake smashing against the break wall. I considered the political discussion I had viewed. What will these politicians do for me, for my life? I doubt if there will be a legacy as simple as Roosevelt’s. On this day, I found a Petoskey stone; I had a stunning climb, I was taken aback by the force of the water. There was no need for a panel of experts to tell me this. I got it. I believe I have found my own big stick.
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