Take me out... Outside that is. Silly

National Parks
Ken Burns is releasing a documentary titled “The National Parks: America’s Best Ideas”. After visiting a few of America’s most famous parks I must say that they are the forgotten gold mines of America. The American people are no longer seeking these slower pace destinations at nearly the volumes that was once popular. This could be reflective on a variety of issues that have arisen in the 21st century. Perhaps the progressive change (for the worst) work week that allows for more hours working, lower pay (in proportion to the increases in expenses for living), and minimal vacation time. Or maybe it goes back the car industry and the chaos that we saw in Detriot; plus, the lack of people moving like they used to do so with automobiles. Whatever it may be it makes me sad. Being outside in nature offers some fantastic benefits. But being outside in some of the most beautiful places on our country is even more impressive upon a person.
Every year on Thanksgiving and Christmas my family bundles up, no matter what state or city we live in and goes for a walk. Usually these walks lead us through the woods and property but sometimes we walked the new subdivision that was quickly replacing the woods. The combination though of family and the outdoors is powerful. We may leave the house all flustered from the hassle that the holidays bring but we always return cheery and ready for coffee, leftovers, and a few more precious hours together. The time is simple but gives a lot in the sense of happiness.
Now I wonder how much could be gained from going outside to the woods of a national park with the people you love for a few days. I think a lot. Maybe then we would not have the frantic pace in our steps so much or if we did at least I could find some peace of mind by excusing it as someone going to enjoy life and not to rush it always.