After being trapped inside for an extremely long and cold winter season, I can’t wait to get some fresh air.
Living in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, makes me appreciate any temperature above freezing.
If there’s no rain or snow falling from the sky, I head outside. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors in my local area. I have access to over eight miles of bike paths that connect to the Lake County system and 500 acres of parks. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous in this part of the country. In the fall, the changing leaves are especially beautiful. I love to ride my bike or go for a walk or a run and just admire the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. In the spring and summer, I enjoy the many flowers and try to spot different species of birds along the paths. One of my favorite spots is Independence Grove Forest Preserve. I hike the trails, launch my canoe, picnic and attend live performances. Adler Park offers a swimming pool, diving pool, a playground, 9 hole disc golf course and barbecue grills. While I’m not a fan of the long, cold winters, there are still outdoor activities available. I sometimes bundle up for the sake of ice skating, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. I enjoy the fact that Lee’s Summit includes four distinctive seasons. The extreme temperature changes create some work and expense, but our weather is always interesting and unpredictable. We need to keep the umbrella, snow shovel and sunblock handy. I think the locals of Missouri appreciate those perfectly warm and sunny days more because they are rare.