In my time afield, I have literally walked thousands of miles in the woods. It never ceases to amaze me how far into nearly untouched wilderness you can find garbage. In many cases I have been so deep into uninhabited areas, that you expect to see nothing, yet out pops a Mylar balloon.

Nearly every outdoorperson I know has found at least a few balloons in the woods. People like myself that spend most of their free time outdoors, tend to find many a year. We all have complained amongst ourselves, but social media has helped bring the problem mainstream. Those that ask “why” are not likely outdoorspeople, or are those that have been sucked into the customary practice of polluting the world in someone’s memory.

I have been fortunate to have friends that stand up against the ridiculous practice of sending garbage airborne. Everyone I know is against the practice, but there are those that don't see the byproduct of such an idiotic tradition. The fact is, if you don't see the environmental impact, it's easier to ignore its existence. I have been planning on writing a column on the topic, and had an experience this week that forced me to do so.