There are few adventures more marvelous than spending time outdoors. Sunshine, flowers and plants, babbling brooks (this year even in mid-July), mountain peaks, winding trails, and peace.
We have gems in our area – Pedrolli Canyon and Water Canyons – are two that are steps away after a busy day. Here the beauty of nature can be quickly absorbed as you rejuvenate. Morning dawns bright and early evening might draw in deer along with a majestic sunset. All free from worries, concerns, or necessary cash.
This week I have enjoyed the companionship of two of my grandchildren and their mom, Allison. Getting up to chatter and racing feet is an ideal way to get me on the move. A bike ride to the splash pad cools us down; a jog around the block with kids and dogs keeps us in shape.
Learning about everything Winnemucca offers for kids during the summer months has advanced beyond knowledge to hands-on activities thanks to swimming lessons at the pool, story time at the library, and Nevada Outdoor School (NOS).
Melanie Erquiaga, a former student of mine, serves as Executive Director. As a freshman and sophomore in my PE classes she excelled when it came to fun, however, I did not imagine the joy and excitement she would exude in her role guiding kids into a deep love of Nevada and the great outdoors.
I attend several meetings each month where she is present with flyers and updates, but reading information about programs does not compare with observing my grandkids engaged in enriching activities. Charlie, at 6, spent a morning at Vesco Park learning about flowers, their needs, and then creating a starburst of color to bring home to adorn my refrigerator. He provided many details about plants, teaching me as he solidified his education.
Ellie at 8 enrolled in the 4-day Summer Camp that includes a campout. The first two days primarily took place at Pioneer Park where campers learned about Leave No Trace as well as participated in games, water fun, crafts, and team building. Every day when we picked her up, she explained the excitement of the day with her eyes always focused on Wednesday and Thursday in Water Canyon.
Her first sleepover outside of family she eagerly anticipated the thrills ahead: hiking, jumping over the creek, and completing their stewardship project. Returning home after camp ended – dirty, a little scraped, and exhausted – she is already planning next year’s possibilities.
Grandma, in the meantime, is pleased to announce how positive NOS offerings are. It is often challenging to yank kids away from electronics, but it was a breeze because of the preparation laid out by NOS and AmeriCorps volunteers.
Organized with a clear focus on love of nature and protecting our environment each chattering bit Ellie shared reminded me of the experiences I had as a child at church and scout camps. Every aspect of my summer adventures added to my desire to spend more time outside, engrossed in the wonders that surround me.
The sole drawback to exploring Water Canyon? Crickets! As we drove up, the road appeared to be oiled, but knowing that overall, this is illegal, the trip down with more crickets emerging for a sunny day of eating brush and one-another, I realized that smashed cricket bodies accounted for the smooth road. Yuck!
Just when I think that these hideous bugs have moved on, kin appear, hopping and skipping across byways and scrub. Because of their cannibalistic behavior, running over one means running over a pile; it doesn’t take much reflection to surmise why the dirt road appears paved.
Because some areas have poisoned these critters, I am curious as to what else may be affected. I’ve only seen one snake this year; the same with jackrabbits. The ground squirrels are scarce and they mostly disappeared shortly after arrival. Cats and dogs that dine on crickets??
Cattle and wild horses munching on the range? I ponder the environmental consequences. I am not saying, “Halt the poison!” as I detest these chittering pests, but perhaps I should be kinder regarding them. Well, then again, maybe not!
I hope your summer has been filled with joy and good times. If you haven’t ventured out into “The Great Outdoors”, I recommend that you do so soon. The view inspires as fresh air and a slight wind entice investigation. Start early to avoid the heat or head out just before dark. You won’t be disappointed.