走入大自然
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
“當你仔細觀察大自然，你將對這世界萬物有更深刻的理解。” – 愛因斯坦
I used to party all night and sleep all day when I was young and reckless. Not till I became a parent and had kids of my own, I started to enjoy nature. And I realized what I have been missing out on! I started to take my kids to join a hiking group when we were still living in Taiwan. We hiked every week to the mountains and woods around the Taipei area. Kids love it, and I enjoyed it as well. It gave me a chance to get away from the busy city life of Taipei.
我年輕時曾經沉浸於夜生活的糜爛，日夜顛倒。直到自己當了父母，有了孩子後，才開始學會愛上大自然。還住在台灣時開始帶著孩子們加入了自然體驗的團體，每個禮拜都會走入台北郊區的山林。孩子們很享受也愛上了大自然。它也給我了一個遠離城市忙碌步調的機會。
Now we moved back to Texas, even though we have nature right in our backyard. But, going hiking once awhile, still one of our favorite activities. During spring break, I took them to the Bull Creek District Park, hiking on the Inga VanNynatten Memorial Trail. The trail was named in honor of the UT naturalist and environmentalist who helped create the vision and plan for the trail. VanNynatten passed away in 2000 because of cancer.
現在，我們搬回到了德州，雖然大自然就在我們家後院。但是偶爾走入山林步道還是我們最喜歡的活動之一。春假期間，我帶著孩子們到 Bull Creek 區域公園，走進了 Inga VanNynatten 紀念步道。這個步道是為了紀念一個自然派的環保人士，當初有協助規劃此步道，後來於2000年因癌症過世，於是以她命名來紀念她。
It’s a very easy trail to hike for the kids, and the best thing is right by the creek. So, at the end of our hike, we all go into the water. Although the studies have shown that Bull Creek has had unsafe levels of fecal contamination in the past. But who can resist the temptation of the cool stream?! Plus, we knew we were going to shower right after the hike anyway!!
這是一個對孩子們來說非常容易的步道，最棒的是它就在小溪旁。所以在走完步道後，我們全都衝進了水裡。即使這裡的水質曾經被測出是有被糞便汙染的，但是誰能夠抗拒著清涼溪水的吸引力！！再說，我們知道回家後會馬上洗澡，所以就享受當下了！
The first step of being earth friendly is to walk into nature. As you see how beautiful mother nature is, you will know it’s our responsibility to protect it. The days are getting warmer and nicer, we want to start hiking every week in the Austin area and pick up trash on the way. Who wants to join us? Let’s take a hike together, to make the world better!!
想要對地球友善的第一步驟就是走進大自然。當你發掘到大自然的美麗後，你就會知道保護它是我們大家的責任。我們決定每個禮拜都找一天走入大自然，邊走邊撿垃圾。有誰想加入我們？！跟我們一起走進大自然，讓這個世界變得更美！！
