Who:
Dr. Bruce B. Graves
Member/Co-Leader
Where:
Ypsilanti, MI
Contemplating today the 60th anniversary of the August 6 Hiroshima destruction by our atomic bomb, its terrible human and environmental effects, and the continued problematic development of nuclear weapons, I attempted to focus emotionally on the immense heat the victims suffered in this blast. In contrast, the opposite image of our 17-mile annual Potowatomi Trail hike through the lakes, woods, and rolling hills of Southeastern Michigan came to mind for its extreme cold this year even though nowhere near the impossible opposite magnitude.
Lovely spring weather is the norm for this annual outdoor awakening experience, but this year, 2005, we had a huge winter blizzard making the hike almost impossible as the image shows. Often up to 30 hikers participate, but only Ruth, I, and one other came this time, the latter allowing us to at least retain the status of "leaders." Nuclear weapons are really bad for the many problems their manufacture entails but especially when used, as August 6 reminds us. It was Sunday, April 24. Unlike some hikers, it did not deter the scantily clad marathoners who, running in the opposite direction in record numbers, were met early on. Many greeted us with a cheery: "Isn't it a beautiful day?" We grudgingly agreed that it was for the eyes, but not for most of one's anatomy.
Beside our cold, wet hands and feet, we later had to battle wet, snow-laden branches gracefully drooping down over the trail making progress difficult. Bruce's hiking stick found a new use where a gentle tap on a bough let it rise up again for passage as the heavy, snow slurry plopped aground. Soggy marsh marigolds, a number of trout lilies, and may-apple leaves covered by little snowcaps were the only evidence this year of wildflower sightings normally a hike focus, now substituted by snow. The expected rejuvenation of a packed Silver Lake lunch became one of the worst parts of the day with two inches of wet snow on all the tables, heavy winds and wet gloves.
Was this a pain to remember? Nothing compared to Hiroshima. This dichotomy of beauty and pain will remain a memory as we continue to work for the betterment of the environment and humanity.
