New Year's Resolutions

 This year, I want to ask everyone to encourage friends and family to get fully vaccinated, to wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

I don't want to do this next year, but considering the selfish ba#^(@*$ out there, we may have too.

See the facts at this map and the WHO site

Do we want another shutdown?  Well folks, get with the program.

Slide show on computer (Recollection Phase of the Experience)

 I back up most of my digital imagery on the computer and all on my google drive since it is so big and my hard disk is full.  (Yes I have some external drives too, but they are filling up.

Anyway, on my Dell (Windows 10) I have it set up to do a slide show of pictures.  It is set up to randomly show a picture every minute from a preselected folder.  For the past month or so,  have been enjoying pictures from Iceland and get to see some shots that I totally forgot about.

See Recollection Phase from Clawson and Knetsch.  (Clawson, M., & Knetsch, J. L. (1966). Economics of Outdoor Recreation. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press.)

Here some pics from Iceland:

Let's end the Pandemic

 Three simple rules to save the world.

Get vaccinated.

Wear a mask.

Practice social distancing.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

This way we may have a normal Christmas in 2022, and give health care professionals a much needed break

For All Trailkind

 A new organization is out there and seems to be in place to promote responsible trail use.  The mantra is:

"No matter our differences in backgrounds or how we choose to enjoy the great outdoors, trails create common ground that connects us. Access to trails is a privilege we acknowledge and can only safeguard through our actions toward one another. Treating each other with kindness in how we share the trails and interact with each other is more important than it has ever been. Everyone deserves to pursue happiness in nature. Let’s rise together to ensure a positive trail experience for all."

It makes sense, since trails are a shared resource.

Trail conflict is nothing new, and recreation geographers have studied the issue for decades. See for example: 

Jacob, G. R., & Schreyer, R. (1980). Conflict in outdoor recreation: A theoretical perspective. Journal of leisure research, 12(4), 368-380.  You can fetch it from UVM.

So read this on a rainy day, but for now, got out and embrace a trail.  Me?  will head out shortly with my hiking companion to do the same.

https://hiking.org/

 Discovered this webpage this morning looking for something else.  Lots of great illustrations and ideas for hiking.  It seems to be in the brainstorming stage, so that is why I am noting it here on this blog.  

I wish Frits Ahlefeldt the best of luck on this ambitious project.  

In the meantime, here is a hiking movie from Richardson Brook (Massachusetts).

So, take a hike this weekend.

The A.T. in Its Second Century - Collaborating with A.T. Communities

 Check out this video from Julie Judkins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-7u4KbYhcw

ATC Director of Education & Outreach Julie Judkins explains how collaboration between Trailside communities and Trail management partners is essential for engaging and encouraging a new generation of stewards to become involved in A.T. protection.

Here is a trail pic to satisfy your craving.

Team USA - Curling

 Seems our Team USA Curling Teams are now qualified for the Olympics.  

Cheer them on.

And see the schedule at this website.

Green Earth Nature Preserves, Carbondale, Illinois

Since moving to the wild wild Midwest, I have explored the local parks with Bubba-Doo.

 He is a willing hiking partner, and enjoys getting outside as much as his human companion.  One place, with actually five different hikes, are found in the Green Earth Nature Preserves.  We have visited each several times and most have loop trails so I can go clockwise or counterclockwise to offer some variety.

I see deer frequently on these hike and Pyles Fork Preserve has several turtles resting on a log as I pass the stream.  A other humans enjoy the parks too, but for the most part, these hikes are solitary.

So, this weekend, hike a local trail, ok?

What is open for US travellers?

 Well, it looks like we can go to Somalia for a vacation!  No, well try Mexico, although I know someone who went to Cancun, caught virus and had to quarantine before heading home to New England.  So you might be safer in Somalia (even if it is a Level 4 - Do not travel based on Travel.state.gov.

Your call.  (Do not travel to Somalia due to COVID-19, crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.)

American Airlines has a weblink for info.

In any case get vaccinated, PLEASE!

and wear a mask.

Holiday Movies

 Sorry folks, you are not going to see the most frequently cited flics in this list.  Most IMHO are garbage.

So here is my list of best holiday flics that are timely and worth aa watch..  All G rated too.

Christmas in Connecticut.  This 1945 film is a good one.  Love abounds and some great acting too.  The sleigh ride is timeless.

It happened on Fifth Avenue.  This 1947 film is a great story and one appropriate for any time.  Good manners encourage good things.  An important message. Especially for Vets.

Miracle of 34th Street.  Also in 1947 this one is a personal favorite.  Had to watch it every year.  It has Santa too (or is it?)  It was redone, but not quite the same.

Remember the Night. Released in 1940, this another classic love story around the holidays.  Justice prevails but it reminds us that sometimes we don't get enough love.

Scrooge.  Out in theatres in 1951 and later, this is my first introduction to the famous story, A Christmas Carole.  A classic.  Spooky enough too, but as we all know good times are found ahead.

Well, that is my list, find them on streaming channels and enjoy with family and friends and a big bowl of popcorn.  Happy Holidays.