In the "Green" Mountains

I have been somewhat amiss in my blogging duties but I will forgive myself as I took to heart my last pledge to spend more time with the kids. I have been on vacation for the past week, which has given me the opportunity to spend some extra time with my boys.

As always, we booked our vacation very last minute. We rented a condo in Stowe, Vermont, in the heart of the Green Mountains. Just over five hours drive, this place seems a world away. First, people are very friendly. For a native New Yorker like myself, this can be a bit disconcerting at times, but I think I could get used to it.

The locals really seem to do what they love and love what they do. Maybe it is because so much of the economy relies on tourism, but people here do go out of their way to see that you enjoy all that the area has to offer. Everyone has some kind of advice on where to go and what to do. So far, all the advice has turned out to be good.

Right down the road is the Stowe recreation path, which has provided much of our outdoor fun. We rented bicycles that we rode up and down it. I ran on it. We splashed around in the creek that runs along it. The kids even ran through the corn maze that sits alongside it. We also went up to the top of Mount Mansfield, which is the highest peak in the state, and climbed up the rock face at the top (well actually I had to drop out of this endeavor early due to improper footwear, but I digress).

Another thing I notice here is that the people I have come across really seem to care about the environment. It is not that they are in your face preaching to you about it, but I do not see the same wastefulness that I often notice at home. Recycling bins abound, and people actually use them the way they are supposed to. There are multiple farmers' markets around the area. Most of the products that are offered in the shops are made locally, and many are organic. There is a notable lack of big chain stores here. Instead, there are a wide variety of local businesses owned by actual individuals and families. People actually talk about environmental policy and hold their politicians accountable. Perhaps part of the reason for this is that when you are surrounded by so much natural beauty, you strive to keep it around. However, there are still many beautiful places in New York, but people do not even seem to notice.

As a runner, I have been able to enjoy some of the natural beauty that is near my home. There is the North County Trail, which runs from lower Westchester all the way up into Putnam County. There is a state park right down the road from me with some trails. Even parts of the Appalachian Trail are just a short drive from my home. However, I often opt to run on a treadmill in the gym instead of seeking out these outdoor locales. Granted, the heat this summer made this a necessity on certain days. But more often than not it was just a lack of imagination that kept me on the "dread"mill.

So the challenge for myself this week (and for you if you so wish) is to look to the great outdoors for amusement. Odds are, we will not have to look far to find a park, a hiking trail, or perhaps just a public garden. Enjoy it... and then commit to keep it around.