Friends of Nature

Edison, Eastman and Ford stand as immediately recognizable names with worldwide acclaim. Each of these inventors and international businessmen also experienced great success as serious naturalists. Visits to theses industrialists’ museums and homes show their commitment to flora and fauna as much as visits to exhibits for George Washington Carver or Charles Darwin. Within the last two years Shanna and I have visited sites or exhibitions for all the above, the most recent being the Edison and Ford winter estates in Fort Myers, FL. 

Each man's passion for the natural world remains infectious long after their deaths. Shannan and I coupled our tour with a trip to ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization), a sustainable garden education center. We already have a strong appreciation for the world around us, but days like these really make us stand in awe and wonder of our mother earth.

Getting out and seeing the world with the help of running shoes is one of the great gifts of my life. Days like today, I certainly appreciate the tropical climate of SW Florida, including the pop up showers, but mostly I am grateful for the chance to get out and enjoy nature.

Celebrate creation. Run.

Tom