The Roosevelts

Boughs of trees - Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Franklin D. Roosevelt had spent the days of his youth along the Hudson River.  His cousin (and uncle by his marriage to Eleanor) Theodore Roosevelt had a youth influenced by an outdoor setting.  Eleanor Roosevelt had an upbringing influenced by the outdoors. Franklin Roosevelt's vision resulted in the Biological Survey that became the Fish and Wildlife Service. Franklin Roosevelt’s work for reclaiming America's devastated lands resulted in the CCC.  And the work the CCC completed resulted in a surprising collection of trails and forests across the country.  There are special forests and trails in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, and Kentucky.  The trees planted by the CCC are a key part of the watersheds of the country.  Many times one person does work and others benefit from it later.

Celebrating the 100th Post

Scenic stream Lake Cumberland SRP, Kentucky

This marks the 100th post available in waterside places.  Today is a day of reflection.  We have learned from Thoreau, Roosevelt, Merton, Berry and Muir.  Merton and Berry lived and wrote in Kentucky; Berry continues to live  and work in Kentucky.  I appreciate the water and the rocks here.  The rocks draw one to approach.

Beauty for the common man

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people write that honoring the great scenes like the waterfalls of the Sierras in California is to raise up the places that wealthy people have the means to see. Low income people could struggle to see some of the land's great public places. Low income people could struggle to experience what these places have to offer. This is one of the great debates of our day. I understand it and I would like to hear what others think about it. I agree with getting out whatever the opportunity.

See what you can, first locally and then regionally. Plan to see more.

Theodore Roosevelt said, "The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world... Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is. Do nothing to mar its grandeur, sublimity and loveliness. You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is to keep it for your children, your children's children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see."

See what you can. See this land. Begin as soon as you can.

In us

"Life is a great adventure... accept it in such a spirit."  Theodore Roosevelt

"We little know how much wildness there is in us."   John Muir 

"If you wish to advance into the infinite, explore the finite in all directions."       
  Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe 

See more, hear more and do it soon.  Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe have provided the path for you.