by Nick Drake

SPORTS EDITOR

We live in a society where everyone wants to cram 32 hours worth of work and errands into a 24-hour window nearly every day of the week.

I haven't been the exception. For over the past two decades, work, community service and running here-and-there have been at the forefront of my everyday life.

Unfortunately, time doesn't stand still and life becomes even more complicated the older an individual gets. However, what I have come to realize is that most Utahns don't take the time to enjoy the vast and diverse outdoor activities available in between the state's borders. And until the past four to five years, I was one of those people. Recently, however, I've tried to relearn how to relax.

As a teenager, I grew up on a farm in Ohio, where wildlife and fishing were quite prevalent. After daily chores, I would load up the tackle box and fishing pole and head out to our pond or one of our neighbors' fishing holes for a little rest and relaxation. There isn't anything more easing or rewarding than dipping the old line for an opportunity to haul in a trophy bass. Even if there wasn't a tug on the line or a disappearing bobber, it was still relaxing to relish the serene quiet of a lake or watch a fish surface to snatch a bug off the smooth surface.

But when I ventured west to Utah State University and then on to Tooele, I failed to remember those tranquil moments and failed to take the time to renew my love for sport.

It wasn't until just five years ago that I learned how to fish for trout -- let alone land one of them. But thanks to some coaxing from friends, I realized it was time to resurrect my passion for angling and to take time for myself to refuel my jets during a little R & R on Strawberry Reservoir or Fish Lake.

I learned, too, that fishing is only one of several ways to refuel those jets.

On a trip to Daniel's Summit last year, I jumped on a horse and thoroughly relished riding trails throughout the Heber Valley. What a beautiful and majestic area of peace and tranquility. Then last fall, I hopped on an ATV for the first time and enjoyed racing the trails in sunny St. George. And just a few months ago, I realized how much fun and exhilarating hiking Bryce Canyon was.

By falling into the everyday trap of racing to work and back, I failed to realize how lucky we are to live in such a varied and assorted mix of environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds can enjoy.

Even for those than can't afford to venture very far, there are an abundance of outdoor activities Tooele County residents can and should do to negate hectic everyday life. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, ATVing and hiking trails are all easily done within our own county borders. There are also recreational sports activities like adult softball, soccer, flag football and other various sports.

Indeed, the 21st century continues to keep people on the run nearly 24 hours a day. But those same individuals also need to slow down time and get away from the rat race.

I have planned fishing trips to Strawberry Reservoir and Fish and Bear lakes, an ATV trip in the fall, and a camping trip later this month to try to slow down my hectic life.

I hope Tooele County residents will also take the time to do the same.