Take a hike

I had to chuckle the other day when I read a quote in the newspaper from a leader in the local motorized use group, saying we need to spend more tax dollars bulldozing roads in the back country. He said something to the effect, "the rapidly growing and aging population has less leisure time for recreation and they demand more motorized access, not less, in the future…"

Well maybe he can be forgiven for such a statement, but we have plenty of roads, traffic and air pollution now. We need to conserve places where we can access and enjoy nature like the Swan Range.

I am 85 years old. My lady companion, Val, is 84. I have been hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing in the Flathead for more than 50 years. Val can still hike to the top of Columbia Mountain and we both still ski and hike, although not as fast as we once did. I will try to make it up Columbia again this summer, but I'm often content with shorter hikes.

Nature is as close as we can come to a magical "fountain of youth." One thing that will keep you young: walking and skiing on our blessed trails—getting away from the noise and pollution of machines. Doctors have long known that walking is good for your heart, reduces stress and cholesterol. Vigorous exercise out in nature is the best medicine out there. Plus, it's free and fun!

Don't take my word for it, let's go hiking. The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Echo Lake Cafe. You can learn more at www.swanrange.org.

Loren Kreck

Columbia Falls