I've Got a Gripe, But Before I Do....

... I have to express how great my life is.  Life is grand!  (Thank you, God.  You have blessed me well.)

David and I are so fortunate to travel as we do.  We go into remote places that very few people do.  We take back roads to hike the lesser trodden trails.  We see hidden lakes, rivers, creeks and falls.  Sometimes we are graced by the colorful wildflowers not seen anywhere else.

The vistas are magnificent!

On a very unusual occasion we end up on roads not intended for our 2500 diesel truck without 4x4 capability.  Alas, there are areas that we miss for lack of a proper vehicle.  Those ultra-remote places are left for the even more daring and adventurous traveler.

As you can see, we still venture into territories uncharted by most people who are too pre-occupied with hustle/bustle and crowds.  During our explorations, we experience quiet and solitude.  We hear the sounds of nature and see the wonders of creation.

(Now, this is the part where a person is abruptly awaken from a lovely dream... gone in a puff a smoke.)

As we trek through these areas far removed from the greater traffic of humanity, how is it that those people who do make it this far can be so abusive to the land?  Now matter where we go we always spot TRASH!  ... litter left behind by previous visitors.

In my opinion, it can be reasonable to see a piece of litter get away from the owner.  David and I have risked limb, but not life, to retrieve such pieces of litter.  The cooling breezes that occur along some creek sides can get the best of an unattended stray.  All the more responsible that a possessor of trash should be!

However, we've seen places where people have taken great pleasure in their visit, enjoyed the environment, taken advantage of the beauty and solace, only to leave their trash.  Ironically, many times the the trash is carefully placed in a spot that the owner assumes someone will clean up after them.  AND, THEY ARE RIGHT IN THAT ASSUMPTION!  Unfortunately, our tax dollars are paying for someone to clean up after these people.

Well, I could go on and on, but I've gone on enough!

I really wish to leave you with images of the beauty that we experience as a reminder that we are all responsible to keep it beautiful.