Riding Story
Riding through the serene bleakness, I am overwhelmed by a feeling that no one has ever journeyed this path before. The mountains by horseback is undoubtedly the most beautiful experience I have ever had. From the dew damp smell of the grass to the soft touch of the tree filtered sun hitting my face. As I ride higher, gaining in altitude, the air becomes cooler, more abrasive. It is this cool, pine tinged air that tells me that I am nearing timberline.
Once I reach timberline, the landscape goes through a vast change; no more soft, wooded forests, now it seems almost alien. As I emerge from the trees into this otherworldly atmosphere, I change also. I no longer feel safe and secure, now I feel desolate and alone. Without the protective blanket of trees, I feel as though my very soul has been bared for all to see.
I ride through the rocks and fallen trees, trusting my horses footsteps, knowing that her sense of this place is better than my own. This gives me a chance to reflect inward, to think about my life and its meaning, or lack there of. This barren region makes me realize how fragile life actually is, and how nature really does play an immense part in who we are.
As I notice the sun falling westward, I know that it is time to turn back. With a sigh I turn my horse back toward the way we came. As I fall back into the comfort of the trees, I wonder to myself if it really is a comfort to return at all. Sometimes I think that the return to the trees is just an excuse to return to my previous way of thinking. An excuse to forget what the rocky landscape above timberline has shown me about the world and about myself.
All Works are © Original Author
(OC Author - Dawn Arduini)