SI Outdoors Blog

A brief hike at Giant City State Park turned into an unexpected pleasure last week.
My wife and I took the short hike to Devil’s Standtable and were caught in a torrential downpour.
Fortunately, we were in no hurry. We rode out the shower under the rock shelter. Yeah, it was cold, and wet, but there is something spiritual, something quieting, about being in the woods during a shower.
We managed to stay, mostly, dry, but I couldn’t help think about our ancestors and how they had to deal with the elements. For us, it was a matter of being uncomfortable for a few minutes — we were a short hike away from a warm, dry car.
A hundred years ago, we wouldn’t have been so lucky.

I drove to work last Thursday, admiring Mother Nature’s handiwork.
I marveled at how full the trees were, the shimmering green of the leaves.
I drove the same route Tuesday and something remarkable had happened. The same trees that were lush and beautiful Thursday were dry and nearly barren.
I don’t like sudden changes. I like subtle transitions.
I’m fully aware that is time for the leaves to change, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.