Going The Distance ...

“Going the distance.”

   ~ complete a difficult task or endure an ordeal. Go the distance is a metaphor from boxing that means, when used of a boxer, “complete a fight without being knocked out.”

An artistic view of the new “Get Distant On The D&L” sign along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) against the backdrop of the Kittatinny Ridge under bright spring skies on an early April 2020 afternoon at Lehigh Gap.

Being able to enjoy the beauty of the D&L and other trails and parks – while still observing social distancing – is a true blessing to me and many others during the novel coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. The fresh air, sunshine and watching the rebirth of life in spring blossoms and newborn birds and wildlife in God’s creation is a wonderful reminder that the United States and the rest of the world are “going the distance” to triumph over this insidious pandemic.

In the shadow of the Kittatinny Ridge, also called Blue Mountain, The Lehigh Gap in Slatington, Pennsylvania, is a crossroads where the Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s trails connect two historic trails – the Appalachian Trail and the D&L Trail.

The Appalachian Trail, a foot path, follows the ridge on both sides of the Lehigh Gap, running 1,245 miles south to Georgia and 930 miles north to Maine. Running from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, the D&L Trail passes through the Lehigh and Delaware rivers and their canals in Pennsylvania.

This sign is one of a number of signs now found at different trailheads to caution trail users to practice social distancing in light of the COVID19 outbreak.

Underneath the top design featured in this image, the sign includes trail etiquette for times of social distancing, such as don’t recreate in groups – limit interactions with other trail users; be safe – our medical systems are at their limit, do our part to limit the need; don’ t touch public services like benches or water fountains unless necessary, and if you must, wash your hands/sanitize thoroughly before and after; avoid touching your face, eyes and nose; and cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a flexed elbow.

It also cautions to observe distance of 6 feet from persons at all times.

The sign encourages trail users to always share the trail and be friendly – a smile, wave or hello can go a long way. And that’s good advice for any day!

Proud American ...

“If tomorrow all the things were gone

I worked for all my life

And I had to start again

With just my children and my wife

I’d thank my lucky stars

To be living here today

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom

And they can’t take that away

And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I’d gladly stand up next to you

And defend Her still today

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt

I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota

To the hills of Tennessee

Across the plains of Texas

From sea to shining sea

From Detroit down to Houston

And New York to L.A.

Where’s the pride in every American heart

And it’s time we stand and say

That I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I’d gladly stand up next to you

And defend Her still today

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt

I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

And I’m proud to be an American

Where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died

Who gave that right to me

And I’d gladly stand up next to you

And defend Her still today

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt

I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.”

  ~ “God Bless the U.S.A.”

  ~written & recorded by country music artist 

Lee Greenwood

     ~ 1984

“God Bless the U.S.A.” is an American patriotic song played at the 1984 Republican National Convention with President Ronald Reagan & First Lady Nancy Reagan in attendance, but gained greater prominence during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991.

The popularity of the song rose sharply after the September 11, 2001 attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

A majestic American Bald Eagle is proudly perched in the shadow of the Kittatinny Ridge, also called Blue Mountain, in the late day summer sunlight along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) at Lehigh Gap, Slatington, Pennsylvania in the waning days of August.

The bald eagle is both the national bird and national animal of the United States. The bald eagle appears on our nation’s seal. In the late 20^th century it was on the brink of extirpation in the contiguous United States. Populations have since recovered and the species was removed from the U.S. government’s list of endangered species on July 12, 1995 and transferred to the list of threatened species. It was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the lower 48 states on June 28, 2007.

The Lehigh Gap is a crossroads where the Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s trails connect two historic trails – the Appalachian Trail and the D&L Trail.

The Appalachian Trail, a foot path, follows the ridge on both sides of the Lehigh Gap, running 1,245 miles south to Georgia and 930 miles north to Maine. Running from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, the D&L Trail passes through the Lehigh and Delaware rivers and their canals in Pennsylvania.