Today is, of course, Earth Day.  We know this because it always gets a fair amount of attention.  Unfortunately, not all of the attention is positive.  The jokes were flying left and right today. Plenty of laughs, not a lot of action.



Most of the jokes are about the designation itself.  Earth Day.  It's perfect fodder for someone to make fun of 'hippies', 'tree huggers', and "global warming nuts'.  It seems people who genuinely express concern about the environment are immediately labeled as one or the other. 

I also hear people perform comedic bits about how they're going to celebrate Earth Day by burning tires or burying batteries or spraying fluorocarbons in the air.  As if it's actually funny to do those things. People actually DO those things!  That's why we have to constantly pound it into people's heads.  I'll be, right now, someone is pouring oil into the ground.

I also get the feeling from some people that Earth Day is sort of a hassle to them. They feel forced into thinking about the woods by their house or the power plant near the river. It takes away from more important things in their lives.   I think it makes some people a little uncomfortable, too.  They look at their own lifestyle and realize they could be doing more. That's the idea.

I usually try to do something 'Earth-friendly' on Earth Day.  Actually, I try to be 'Earth-friendly' every day.  Maybe that's why I'm a little sensitive to the jokes.  I see a lot of trash outside.  I see people litter almost daily.  I just saw someone throw a cigarette out their car window on my way home today.  Obviously, not everyone is getting the message.

The media is Earth Day's best friend, no doubt.  I'm guessing you heard an Earth Day story somewhere in your local newscast today.  The networks certainly cover it. TV. Radio. Newspapers. Magazines. The Internet.  It's all over the place today.  I love that.

Leave No Trace.  It makes so much sense.  It's not that difficult.

I took the following pictures during several solo trips in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  Happy Earth Day!



This was taken on the Minong Ridge Trail at Isle Royale National Park.  2007.  Otter Lake is in the distance.



Another picture from my '07 trip to Isle Royale National Park.  This was taken in Rock Harbor the day of my departure.




Isle Royale National Park.  2007.  A nasty storm was brewing over Rock Harbor.



By the way, I'm heading back to Isle Royale this July.  I'll be posting on the planning and preparation as the weeks progress. 




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