Last night the Thrashers beat the competition 4-2, but the truth is I was there to see a fight and press myself up against the glass as the boys slammed into it. I was satisfied with the former but not the latter, because there was an unfortounate row of folks in front of me. Alas, it was almost balanced out by some Thunder Sticks thrown in for good measure and used in excess. It’s the pre-season, after all, and I expect in a few months those big boys on skates will be full of P & V, and the fights I long for will be plentiful.

After a few hours of iced aggression I could think of nothing better to balance it all out than a visit to The Land Trust, sitting in front of a bonfire and listening to folks jam on fiddles, guitars and drums.

The Lake Claire Community Land Trust (LCCLT) is a non-profit incorporation of neighbors who are developing land between Nelms and Arizona Avenues, resulting in a ìgreen spaceî for community use and enhancement. Members of our neighborhood are encouraged and welcomed to enjoy the Land Trust gardens and play areas regardless of membership in the LCCLT.

When they say “green space”, they mean it. Beautiful trees and well groomed single track walking paths lead from gazebos to picnic tables to the bonfire area and beyond. If you’ve ever longed for a slice of nature and peace tucked away in the city where you can sit quietly and undisturbed for hours on end, this is it. No one will look at you as if you don’t belong, instead they’ll smile and say “hello” in a way that reminds you how communities are built.

Related link: http://www.treeclimbing.com/

If you dig the trees, I’ve also heard rumors that there are tree houses to rent somewhere in our great state (outside Atlanta, if those of you who get agitated with “non-Atlanta” posts will please simmah dahn nah), equipped with hammocks and the like. I’ve found information on The Hostel in the Forest during my search which looks incredibly promising, but if you’ve got more 411, please share.