On oak trees, bullfrogs, and what really matters
This venerable old oak is a striking landmark, and it’s why two trails intersect here.
If I could be twelve years old again, I’d build me another treehouse, this time near a frog pond so I could dine on fat, succulent bullfrogs.
If I could build me a treehouse in one of the many venerable old oak trees on Pleasanton Ridge, where I brought a group of hikers this past Saturday, I certainly would – but the Open Space folks might frown on that sort of thing.
Then again, I’m no longer twelve. Sigh….
These days, it doesn’t matter that I don’t have a treehouse like the one I built as a kid. Instead, I can just go take a hike and wistfully relive the dream, admire the possibility (and the trees), listen to the bullfrogs, take satisfaction in another day of fresh air well-earned. The thing is, just plain getting out there is what matters – and not just to me.
The view southeast from Pleasanton Ridge toward the Sunol and Ohlone Regional Wildernesses.
The greater bulk of us humans, year after year, live by our choices. Those of us who choose to get out there do so because we choose to live lives that are active and healthy, our bodies and souls fed regularly by sun, wind, rock, tree, sky, mountain, cloud, and camaraderie. In this one Life that we get, I believe it’s safe to say that we either choose to take the joy out of our bodies, or we can take our bodies out for joy.
It’s a pretty simple choice, really.*
With all the sensibility and sincerity that I can affirm, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to advise you of something important – something you should be doing with your body – and that is: go take a hike!
*I’m just glad I’m not a bullfrog (I only sing like one).
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March 13th, 2009 11:02
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