The Great Escape

The wilderness has always been my place of escape. Today was no exception. To get away from the bustling and busy life of being a college student, taking a walk outside and having some time for reflection was just the thing that was needed on a crazy day like this filled with homework, assignments, and deadlines to no end.

As soon as I entered the trail to the lodge the first thing that I noticed is the cool winter breeze on my face. The air nearly takes your breath away in one swift motion but the hint of pine that meets with it easily makes up for it. The smooth yet pungent aroma of the fire called to me like an old friend. Smoke rose high in the air signaling the place for our meeting in the woods, but right now, I’m alone.

Walking footstep after footstep, hearing the all to familiar sound of the woodpeckers searching for the larva of the insects left behind from summertime within the trees. Overlooking me a gray and somewhat gloomy sky, but pretty nonetheless. Surrounded by clouds of white puff and an Eagle flying overhead, how you not love the beauty of it all?

For a brief moment I take a pause to enjoy my surroundings. The feeling of the breeze running through my clothes. The sudden shift in temperature was evident, and a wind hit me like a rock. This felt like a sudden and swift motion all at once. Almost as if it were trying to push me back toward my car to warn me of the cold and snowy day ahead. But I continue on my trek to get my place.

I see footprints surrounding me of snow shoe hare and squirrels running around the forest. This sight found me in a place of good feelings knowing that other creatures aside from myself were out on a cold day like this. Looking for food or maybe like myself, currently trying to warm my body before arriving at the fire. The sound of snow crunching beneath my large boots reminding me of the winter still ahead.