Father’s Day out with Mother Nature
Father’s Day is coming. Uh Oh…what to do, what to do?
We love our dads, but shopping for dads is notoriously difficult. Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift for my dad is certainly challenging. I can either a) buy him something he’d absolutely love that’s way out of my price range, b) buy him something he’ll probably never use that’s in my price range, c) buy him exactly what he asks for knowing that it’s in my price range (usually a book) or d) go for a wild card idea.
What is this blessed wild card? A wild card is something creative, totally out of the box and often free. Sounds better than getting Dad another tie, doesn’t it?
Here’s an idea: Take Dad out, not on the town, but to the beach, the mountains or a park and give each other the gift of time together with Mom (as in Mother Nature).
For inspiration, check out Nature Rocks. You can enter your zip code for a list of outdoor activities in your area or enter the time you have available and the age of the children involved for more specific ideas.
If you’re near a beach, go surfing, swimming or just play in the sand. Look for wildlife as you snorkel, SCUBA dive or kayak along the coast. Bond during a strenuous hike or mountain bike ride or go for an easy walk on a nearby nature trail.
And while you’re out there, consider taking some time to help clean up the area. Go for what Atayne Sportswear co-founder Jeremy Litchfiels calls a “trash run” or a “butt stroll” . Whether you’re running on a trail, walking on a sidewalk or strolling along a sandy beach, you’re bound to find litter. All litter is bound to end up somewhere where it could do a lot of damage, but cigarette butt litter, in particular, is one of the nastiest culprits. (In fact, according to Keep America Beautiful, 30% of the items collected in litter sweeps are cigarette butts.) No matter where you walk, run, hike, swim, paddle or stroll with your dad, remember to leave nature as you found it. In the words of Chief Seattle, “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
However you choose to spend your Father’s Day, enjoy your bonding time with Dad and “Mother Nature.” Happy Father’s Day!
Adapted from recyclebank.com
