Winter Farewell Hike: Celebrating the Year of the Dragon

Written by Rocky Xu Cheng

Publish Date: February 17, 2024

Photo by Ying Wei

The February event of Blossoming in Nature unfolded with an enchanting blend of festive spirit and natural adventure as we celebrated Chinese New Year amidst the serene beauty of nature. Despite facing unexpected challenges, the day was very exciting.

Our journey began at the pavilion, adorned with vibrant decorations resonating with the essence of Chinese culture. However, nature had its own plans, greeting us with strong gusts of wind that compelled us to relocate to a more sheltered spot next to a building. Undeterred, our team swiftly adapted to the change, ensuring that everything was set for a memorable day ahead.

As participants gradually arrived, we welcomed them warmly and commenced the festivities by laying out a sumptuous spread of food, inviting everyone to indulge in delightful flavors and conversations. Amidst the laughter, we initiated a craft session, guiding children with special needs in crafting traditional Chinese paper lanterns. Their eager hands transformed simple materials into intricate lanterns, reflecting their creativity and enthusiasm.

Despite the wind thwarting our plans for outdoor calligraphy, we embraced the moment. Our attention turned to the scheduled hike, where we divided into groups and embarked on an alternative route along the lakeside. Braving the blustery winds, we traversed the path with determination, encountering charming scenes of nature's resilience, including friendly ducks huddling together for warmth amidst the chilly breeze.

Arriving at the fishing piers, we ascended a small hill, relishing the panoramic views offered by the elevated vantage point. Cameras clicked as we captured moments of togetherness and awe-inspiring landscapes, immortalizing memories to cherish forever. With spirits rejuvenated and hearts full, we embarked on the journey back, this time with the wind at our backs, propelling us swiftly towards our starting point.

As the event drew to a close, we reflected on the day's adventures, grateful for the opportunity to connect children with autism to the wonders of nature and cultural traditions. Despite the challenges posed by nature, our collective spirit remained unyielding, finding beauty and joy in every moment shared. With anticipation for future adventures, we bid farewell to February's Blossoming in Nature event, knowing that the seeds of connection and inclusivity planted today will continue to flourish in the days to come.

A big thanks to the six families with special needs who attended the event. The event could only be successful with your trust.

Special thanks to twenty volunteers: London Blair, Stephen Xinyue Dong, Alexander Li, Elena Alsup, Emily Alsup, Haofei Deng, Esther Chen, Ethan Bui, Nicholas Ha, Cristan Farias, Justin Xu, Eric Liu, Samantha Luo, Tristan Lin for volunteering at the event and making the experience for every participant even better.