Over the short semester recess, I
had the opportunity to travel to Colorado and experience nature in the shadow
of the Rocky Mountains. I have lived in northern Colorado for almost my entire
life, save for a few years in Texas on the bookends. My deep appreciation for
nature finds its roots in Colorado. The breathtaking mountain views, plentiful
sunshine, and endless blue skies make going outside not just an option, but a necessity.
There is a bounty of truth in the common reference to Colorado as “God’s
country”.
I was excited to return to Colorado
in mid-October, as the state was experiencing the peak of its Fall season. The view
from the airplane revealed dots of brilliant yellows and oranges among the
vibrant green of the state’s classis evergreens. As I drove home, I
specifically noticed the bright reds of the maple leaves, perhaps the most breathtaking
change of the Fall. The mountains in the distance were snow-capped, marking the
most dramatic shift from summer to winter. The air also had a crisp bite to it,
a long cry from the sweet taste of the summer heat. The season change brings excitement
and a sense of profound newness to the entire area.
My trip to Colorado included two
direct interactions with nature. The first was a drive up a winding mountain
road to a popular lookout above Boulder. This was a spontaneous solo trip.
While the weather was warm, I did notice small mounds of snow from a recent storm in the shade of the trees. At the top of the mountain, I climbed out of
the car and over a small stretch of rocky terrain to reach my final destination.
The wind was strong and cold from the higher elevation, but the sun provided a welcoming
warmth. The view, as always, was spectacular. The long valley that stretched before
me reminded me of just how small I really am. Nature has a funny way of
grounding us, reminding us that we are simply one piece of this big, beautiful
world. I have included a picture of this lookout that I snapped a few years ago.
Flagstaff Mountain
My second interaction with nature
was much more extensive. On my final day in Colorado, my dad and I drove to
Rocky Mountain National Park. We then embarked on a five-mile hike to Alberta
Falls. The hike, which I have completed before, winds through the forest,
culminating in a grand waterfall. The weather was quite pleasant for mid-October.
As I hiked, I noticed various aspects of the nature in my surroundings. I remember hearing the
rush of the falls long before I could see it, a reminder of the great strength
of nature. I also remember seeing a variety of animals, including deer, blue
jays, and chipmunks. At the end of the hike, we even heard the roar of a bear
somewhere in the mountains. This hike gave me a chance to note the intricate
details of the natural surroundings, deepening my appreciation.
Alberta Falls
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