From the desk of: Cathy Coloff
Subject: Nature helps us understand everything better
As summer ends, many of the national parks empty out of record high visitors and start preparing for the upcoming fall and winter months. Before Alex entered our life, Doug and I spent some nice vacations in Arizona, New Mexico, Maine, Oregon, Washington and more, enjoying the relatively quieter times in some of our national parks. Back in the day, one of the most spectacular hikes we did was Knife Edge on Mount Katahdin. This trail happens to be in a state park but was a great place to hike nonetheless.
In reflecting on this trip, I am reminded of all the great state and county parks available to us right here in New Jersey. The state of New Jersey boasts over 50 parks, forests and recreation areas. As a relative newcomer to NJ, I’ve only had the pleasure of visiting just a few. As Alex grows up, I hope to check out even more. Of course, our county and towns offer excellent options to get outdoors and enjoy nature as well. Just this past winter, I enjoyed cross country skiing in Randolph on the trails with our dog Reid. Who knew that he’d be an excellent snow dog! He had great fun running through the snow and burrowing for critters when I would stop to rest. It always amazes me how Reid can hear even the slightest movement, be it under the snow, underground or in the bushes.
Albert Einstein said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” While I may not understand everything better, this I know—even a few minutes outside enjoying nature helps me remember and appreciate all the wonderful people and things in my life. I hope you’ll get outside and discover the same.
First published in our September 2018 IT Radix Resource newsletter
