By Allen Hamrick
Spring will officially be here very soon. If you haven’t noticed, peepers are peeping and the new vegetation in the woods is defying the last vestiges of winter, just breaking the surface of the dirt. Ramps will soon spring into action, and dates will be set for the much anticipated dinners around the area. New life will begin in the young and old alike as the warm sun starts refueling our engines. Once fueled, gardens will be planned and ploughed, and green houses will be in full bloom of new seedlings waiting to be planted. The river fish will wake up and start their processes of spawning and feeding, and for the anglers, it’s time to bend some fishing rods. With winter in a sort of retreat, all hope is renewed and it’s time to get busy.
The great outdoors and mountain adventures are waiting, whether it is on bikes, kayaks, ATV’s, fishing, hiking or whatever gets you outside. There are many trails that will lead you to places that take adventure to new levels. However, political chaos, wars and rumors of wars and the gloom and doom talk that seems to be in every corner of the restaurants are just sitting and waiting on the horizon to strike our peaceful existence. I’m often reminded of what one of the greatest books ever written said – you have just one chance to enjoy life, do it while there is hope because hope dies when you do. Enjoy your life while there is still a chance to do so, and the outdoors is one way to do it. Take the time this year to go beyond your comfort zone and really live the way our ancestors did, even if it’s just for the weekend.
Biking is a physically demanding sport but a great way to get fit and see things from a different light and angle. The Elk River trail provides many opportunities for some serious trail riding, and with the possible sighting of Bigfoot, it just gets better and better. Make sure you carry your camera and Bigfoot spray just in case; statistics shows he or she will not take your bike but prefers a stealthy approach, so keeps a sharp eye. Kayaking is also exhilarating, especially those long fishing trips that make you forget your hip pain until you try and get out so watch those four hour trips. The Elk is home to some of the best small mouth bass fishing although they prove hard to catch sometimes.
The rail train up Buffalo Creek will pick up the pace and is projected to open in May which will bring many tourists into the county, so be prepared. There is plenty of hiking to do, not only in Clay but in surrounding counties, as well. This spring should not be a time for just sitting at home unless that is your preference. Bucket lists need to start being checked off because it seems opportunity to do so is getting slimmer by the day, depending on how you look at things. Enjoy the little things in life now, while you can, because one day you will look back and realize how big they really were.
It won’t be long until CCHS baseball and softball teams will be hitting the diamonds with games beginning this week, and track teams will be lacing up their shoes to begin their season. The CCMS baseball and softball teams will be hitting the fields, as well, this week. In the not so distant future, younger players around the county will be hitting the fields, from tee ball to major league, and take part in that great American pastime. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors in whatever way you can!
