SPRINGING INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

We hope we helped you stay warm and cozy this winter. We actually had snow this year. And lots of it. Winter without snow is just cold and gloomy. Now, we’re moving into the warmer months. Are you excited yet?

We’re optimistic about spring and summer. Last year, the pandemic forced us to be homebodies. Home comfort was more important than ever. We were pressed to discover new ways to enjoy our homes. In 2021, many of us simply want to get away. Still, others are planning home improvement projects for another staycation.

Many of us will continue to visit local parks like never before-for fresh air, exercise, and a sense of peace. Close-to-home parks are crucial to a community’s quality of life. Parklands offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

If you’re more adventurous, visit one of America’s national parks-a popular trend stoked by the pandemic.

National Parks

A year’s worth of social distancing and staying at home can take a toll on your mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve your mental and physical health. You can visit your state parks, municipal parks, local natural areas, or even your own backyard that offers special places to relax and recharge. A whole vacation can be planned around a National Park, like Yosemite National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.

For Spring/Summer 2021, perhaps you should plan a trip to a National park. They contain many of our nation’s most treasured landscapes. Here are a few things you can do during a National Park vacation:

• Backpacking: Get to know any park by heading out into the backcountry. Backpack away from the more heavily populated areas and immerse yourself in the wilderness.
• Hiking: The majority of visitors don’t usually explore past scenic viewpoints or short walks. The best experiences are typically day hikes so bring your hiking boots, a backpack, food, water, and go explore your parks on foot!
• Photography: The photographs in our newsletter were taken by Hillside’s own, Jimmy Sellers. It goes to show you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take great shots at National Parks. These protected places offer majestic scenery, amazing sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights. Take advantage of many photo opportunities.

Here are some images I captured while visiting Yellowstone National Park. With 3,471 square miles, Yellowstone is like another world. It is teeming with wildlife and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of mountains, giant sequoias, waterfalls, and rivers. At night, you can look up at the unpolluted night sky and marvel at the innumerable stars.
~ Jim Sellers