An issue less thought about

OK, So that last post, which I deleted, was basically just to get something up here, and I don't want that to be a reflection of what this blog is going to be in the future. Yes there may be some ridiculous posts once in a while, but a majority will be on topics I find important.

As most of you know, I love the outdoors and fishing. Something which I never truly appreciated until my Grandpa died a little over a year ago. I have fished all my life, I made my first trip to Minnesota at the age of 6 months. I am rather well traveled for a 20 year old, and I am grateful for that. Unfortunately it took my Grandpa passing away to make me really get into it, and start to learn real fishing skills, read the water and bottom, and fish with something other than a worm and bobber (which still has its place on those lazy days).

I am, however, rather disturbed at the amount of parents who allow their kids to sit inside all summer long. I know not everyone is in a position to load up their family and take them to the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, or on any sort of big vacation. However, most people don't realize what Illinois has to offer. Most of these places are close by, and very affordable, if not free to visit. A weekend trip can cost next to nothing. Load up a cooler, tent, some clothes, and a couple Walmart Special fishing poles, and you have yourself a weekend. Society is so very disconnected with nature now, that most wouldnt think of this.

Some of my best times with friends were around a fire. Even if it was in the driveway or a backyard. We still were outside, talking, telling stories, and bringing up good memories that we all shared. Its amazing that a lot of people don't know how to start a fire, let alone be able to cook over one. My parents would yell at me for starting too many fires when I was younger.

The attention that the parks got when they were closed was great. However that has all but disappeared now, and the parks still aren't open. I have yet to figure out how you can close public land, but apparently it can be done. Especially with the economic situation we are experiencing, it is important to have these lands open and usable for the future. These are places in our own backyards that can be just as exciting or beautiful as anywhere else if one would jsut give them a chance.

By the way, did anyone else know that Illinois is the home of a NATIONAL Forest? This is federal land. You can literally walk out in to the middle of the woods with nothing other than a backpacks worth of supplies and camp. No tent needed, if you so desire.

I hope everyone can find some time this summer to truly enjoy the outdoors. Whether it is going for a walk in the woods, camping, or fishing, it will certainly be remembered. I also urge you to take someone with, more specifically, some of the younger people in your lives. Whether its your little brother or sister, cousin, niece or nephew, or even the neighbor kid, it is never too early to let them experience the outdoors. They are the ones who will need to fight for these lands in the future.

It is time for me to get off my soapbox now.

Here are a few references for those of you at all interested. And you can always feel free to ask me any questions, or even join me on my boat if you'd like. God knows I have a few extra fishing poles and a tackle box full of things I didn't even know I had.

Shawnee National Forest:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee/
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (list of all the state parks, as well as other good info)
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/outdoor/index.htm
Chicagoland Fishing Information
http://www.chicagolandfishing.com/