Richmond's Own (but unowned) Website

 
 
Today I went on the IB hiking trip, along with Mr. Laughlin and 10 other kids at Powder Canyon.  (This entry is going to double as some CAS hour evidence).  We went on about a 1.7 mile loop, and I wish I brought my camera so I could share some amazing views, but alas I forgot to bring it.  But it was a wonderful way to spend the first day of Spring!

To be honest, before going, I was somewhat apprehensive, and wasn't sure what to expect.  But was I in for a surprise.  I had never gone hiking in the Powder Canyon area, and needless to say, I thouroughly enjoyed today's hike. 

Mr. Laughlin was a great choice for an advisor too.  It was a very active experience to have him along, especially because he has a lot of knowledge about nature.  We saw a red tailed hawk, potato bugs, various types of sage, wild cucumber, walnut trees, and poison oak!  It was a great experience for me, and at the top of the first hill we climbed, there were some beautiful views of the valley (well, there was the ever present haziness of the smog, but besides that!)  We were even able to see the Rowland gym (well Mr. Laughlin saw with his binoculars. I just kind of squinted in the general area - should have brought a pair myself).  I was also surprised with how happy other people on the trail were - a couple, bikers, and even a family with a stroller and baby. 

After the hill crest, we descended into the canyon itself - which was a lot cooler, due to the trees overhead.  It was nice to see everything green, since we had such a great rainfall this year. We saw a dry (but moist!) creekbed - very Jurassic Park: The Lost World like, where the stegos are. But it was breathtaking all around.

So I never realized this little gem that we have in our backyard. And thanks to that, I'm more aware of the importance of nature, and how we should try to preserve it.  There's a bit of irony that in protecting it, we're building trails to let people come into it. But I think it's important to educate people about nature, and the only way to do that is to let them experience it for themselves.  And trails are alot less intrusive than houses built along the ridge which disrupt animal traffic.  At any rate, humans have been making trails through nature for thousands of years.  Nevertheless, this has helped me become more aware of how we should treat nature with respect and protect the jewels of nature around the world from the encroaching posion of civilization.  If we could just - step aside - life - will find a way.