Sat, Apr 1 2017 - Carpe Diem (April Fool’s Edition) (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lisa Participants: Larry Cooper, Bob D., Dave S, Lisa, LindseyW, Gail, SusanF, Mike S, Zahra, Amir, Keith S

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We had an awful time on our hike.... April Fool's!!! After a brief round of introductions, we shared what we like most about spring and April, for example, pollen. Not! We knocked out some miles, turning away from the river and cutting through the woods, then back to the banks of the river around the "15-minute loop." Twice we startled a small herd of deer, then stopped to watch them jump away ahead of us. The staccato rhythm of a woodpecker cut through the air high above us. Geese called to one another from their fishing spots on the shimmering water.

We found some rocks along the spring to pause for a few moments of mindfulness. We then shared words from various artists and poets, including the Dalai Lama: "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Mahatma Gandhi: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." We also enjoyed a recitation of original poetry inspired from the heart.

We learned about the history of April Fool's Day. It seems "..the custom of setting aside a day for the playing of harmless pranks upon one's neighbor is recognized everywhere. Some precursors of April Fools' Day include the Roman festival of Hilaria." In the 18th century, it became a day when children could play pranks and not get in trouble from their parents. Also, we are all invited to the Atlanta Persian Festival tomorrow with food, dancing, arts, music and more at Piedmont Park. Seriously! Sunday 11-7. 

We topped off our Island Ford experience with a blast up the big hill at the end after it was "mostly" downhill from that point. We parted ways in the parking lot, glad to have shared a couple hours with such a wonderful group.