Those of you who were watching TV sitcoms in the 1970s may recall an episode of “Happy Days” (it was season 3, episode 11, to be exact) when Fonzie was on an outdoors adventure with his pals and decided to sleep outside. As he settled down with his head calmly resting against a log, an owl started to hoot, frogs croaked and squirrels scurried, all creating a unified orchestra of animal sounds. Fonzie slowly sat up, threw his arms out and yelled, “Cool it!” Complete silence ensued, followed by the Fonz boasting, “Let’s see Tarzan do that.”
Yes, I loved the Fonz. He was the essence of cool for an elementary-aged kid in rural Iowa. I wanted to be like him. I even had the boots and the leather jacket. Still do — in larger sizes.
Where I differ with the Fonz, though, is in my appreciation for the sounds of nature. It is one of the main reasons I enjoy being at Lake Panorama, regardless of the season. I realize some of you are here mostly for the boating or golfing, and I am glad you find happiness in that. But there is more to the lake. Much more. We just have to listen.
The coyotes howling in the distance. The fish jumping in the water. The deer prancing across the lawn. Nature abounds at Lake Panorama, and I love it. I have gotten to know the neighboring fox that yawns at me each morning. I smile at the same three squirrels that playfully scamper across the road on my drive to work. And I watch in utter silence from our deck as the eagles soar horizontally across the water.
This month, we share the story of the Scott and Allison Stanley family, whose appreciation for nature goes well beyond what most of us have experienced. And, most importantly, they are passing this respect for the outdoors along to their children.
Soon, the boats will all be off the water. The golf courses will be closed. The leaves will drop, and the snow will fall. But the owls, the squirrels, the fox, the deer and the coyotes will remain. I will be listening, and I hope you will be, too.
Have a great month, and, as always, I thank you for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Lake Panorama Times
641-332-2707
shane@gctimesnews.com