By Allen Hamrick
This has been one of the longest winters we have seen in this area for a long time. We were due a long one; with previous winters acting like a cold autumn, it was bound to happen. With jaw freezing temperatures and road closing snow storms, relief seemed a long way down the road, but the new Burpee seed catalog has arrived to give us hope. A few 60 degree temperatures have give us just enough of a boost to see that spring will officially be here very soon. There is still opportunity for another snow according to predictions, but predictions are just the meteorologist’s way of keep folks on edge. If you haven’t noticed, peepers are peeping and eggs are getting laid in small ponds and water sources all over. New vegetation is defying the last vestiges of winter, and some hardy buds are showing they are ready for spring. Ramps will soon spring into action, and new life will begin in the young and old alike as the warm sun starts refueling our engines. Ground busting will begin as garden soil will be turned for the last cold days of winter to kiss the earth farewell. Green houses will be in full bloom as new seedlings crack the top soil. The river fish will wake up and start their processes of spawning and feeding, and for the anglers, it’s time to dust off the fishing equipment and restring the reels – that is if winter time stopped you. With winter in the early stages of retreat, all hope is renewed and it’s time to get busy.
Whatever gets you outside, there are many trails that will lead you to places that take adventure to new levels. We have a new life, and while there is breath in your lungs and a beating heart, get out and enjoy it; the outdoors awaits you. Take the time this year to go beyond your comfort zone and spruce up your life so you have no regrets when it is over.
Biking is a physically demanding sport, yet a great way to get fit and see things from a different light and angle. Kayaking is also exhilarating, no matter where you go, lake or river, it is a welcome change to the mundane. Kayaking also gets you back into those places where the big fish hide. The Elk is home to some of the best small mouth bass fishing anywhere, but the big ones take a little savvy to hook as they prove hard to catch sometimes. There is plenty of hiking to do, not only in Clay, but take the opportunity to go on a road trip between chores and find a way to enjoy something. Bucket lists need to start being checked off because every year we get one year older, time goes faster and opportunity to do anything before the joints keep us home is getting slimmer by the day. 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 and track teams will be lacing up their shoes to begin their season. The CCMS baseball and softball teams will be hitting the fields soon and CCMS track teams will begin their season. In the not so distant future, younger players around the county will be hitting the fields, from tee ball to major league, to take part in that great American pastime. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors in whatever way you can!
