This past week I went caving for the first time. I have been to a cave once before, but it was a commercial cave on a guided tour- much different than exploring by yourself. So three of my friends and I got out our backpacks, headlamps, warm layers, and headed off on an adventure.
Caves are extremely delicate and fragile systems, home to endangered species and rare rock formations. As a caver, you must take extra precaution to leave very little impact on the cave environment. The National Speleological Society motto is: "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time." This is a common thread that runs through most outdoor activities (or should), that we must leave as little impact as we can. As cavers, backpackers, climbers, etc, we must respect that we are not here to exploit the earth for our entertainment, but work hard for its conservation so we can enjoy its beauty and its fruits.
As a backpacker, I pick up every grain of rice that may spill out of my pot while cooking so I don't disrupt a fragile ecosystem. As a person, I am looking for ways to maintain that attitude in my every day life, to protect our world environment. Outdoor activities can help foster this connection (as well as being amazingly fun and uplifting!) So here's an action you can take sometime this week: grab yourself, or your children, your parents, or some buddies, and head out for an outdoor adventure! Walking, climbing, floating down a river... enjoy and respect the beauty of nature!
PS
Anybody else have fun outdoor adventures to share? I'm all ears.
