We seek the great outdoors not to escape life, but for life not to escape us...

As the nations start opening up, there is a yearning in all of us to escape to the great outdoors, and gain a little bit of sanity that we may have lost over the last few weeks. But as you do spread out to wilderness areas all over, make sure you enjoy the outdoors responsibly. WTA, one of my favorite outdoor stewards, has compiled a helpful list here:

1. While passing people on trail, give space to others, and give way to the opposite direction

2. Pack in and pack out: trailheads are likely not serviced so avoid using the restrooms if you can. And if you really need to attend nature's calls, carry a small shovel and be prepared

3. Leave no trace: take only memories and leave only footprints

4. Avoid crowded trailheads: there is more of the outdoors to explore.

5. And if you are sick, please stay away from where people might congregate

When I traveled around in Germany a few years earlier, I was struck by how quickly I could get from the busy urban areas to the beautiful outdoors. Having that balance of nature and nurture certainly improves mental well-being, and increases appreciation of what life is all about.

Germany