If I could, I would live in the mountains. Some people don't realize it, but I really enjoy getting lost in the woods and spending hours wandering off trails. My love for the outdoors really developed here in New Paltz, where it is easily accessible. The closest thing I had to the wilderness before I moved here was Frick Park in Pittsburgh.
It all started when I started cross country. Before that, I hadn't had the opportunity to explore in the mountains, and had only really seen the rail trail. My team immediately took me in and guided me along the winding trails up the mountain, pointing out their secret spots and shortcuts. I was fascinated by the way they knew the land and realized I wanted to explore and find my own way around. Soon after, I became familiar with the mountains and was able to run and hike on my own. For me, being alone in nature is the only way I can get away from everything. Whether I'm running or simply walking around, I can always find peace. I have yet to find the same kind of silence anywhere else.
My love for the mountains in particular has been nurtured by a cross country camp I attend every summer. I know what you're thinking: a running camp? It's really much more than that. The coached not only teach us how to run efficiently, but they show us how to enjoy nature. During the week we spend at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, we hike twice. Each hiking group spends the day on a different mountain. This gives us the opportunity to bond and see how beautiful the environment really is.
We start early in the morning, when there is still a chill in the air and the tops of the mountains are surrounded by fog. Most of us are tired from the previous day's workout, and the only sounds we can hear are our footsteps and ragged breathing.
I think it's truly amazing. If I had the chance, I'd probably spend days just sitting and looking around.
It's nice how you find comfort and peace within nature. I also share the love of the mountains and getting lost in them. It calms me. My post about our "special place" is how I love to be up high in trees, it's nice to know that other people find peace with nature too. And yes, I agree with you on the fact that New Paltz defiantly had something to do with it haha. How can you not like the outdoors in this place? Nice job:)
ReplyDeleteAs you said living near mountains shaped your life. I feel that way about oceans since I grew up in New jersey. Similarly to how you feel small on top of mountains thats how I feel in the ocean. The environment we live in shapes our lives so much.
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