In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Cut Off.”
When was the last time you felt really, truly lonely?
I have traveled many miles across America via motorcycle, and hiking, I have been in wilderness locations where I actually was concerned, yet not alone. Although, during each of these instances, I had not encountered no other humans for several hours only wildlife.
On a trip to Fairbanks Alaska several years ago, I was traveling southbound along the Alaska Highway when I stopped to look at the beautiful vistas of Green Lake. The sight was mesmerizing as my eyes were transfixed on the trees along the hill side reached towards the sky and the warmth of a July evening punctuated the quiet beauty, I was absorbing.
Ten or fifteen minutes may have passed when I heard and spotted a medium-sized bear 50-75 feet away, rooting around in the ditch between the roadway and tree line. When he recognized me, we watched each other for close to twenty-seconds or more.
I was not shocked by the encounter, however, I began to quickly calculate and consider how fast I could get to my motorcycle, start it up before this young curious bear could cover the distance from his position towards me?
I’m aware, that most bear’s want attack unless there is food involved and since I do not carry food on the motorcycle, I was breathing a little easier especially as I turned the key and started off down the road.
When I began my bucket list ride on the east-coast, every animal I encountered would always quickly run back into the woods upon seeing me on the motorcycle. However, since traveling along the Alaska Highway, every Bears, Mose, Elk and Buffalo I encountered, looked and stared at me with a gaze of wonderment. I felt, I was in a cage, looking out upon them in their natural habitat.
During all of my years of traveling, people have asked am I lonely, or am I afraid? I realized and understand, I’m never alone when I travel especially in the wilderness. I am simply an occupant of the earth observing the beauty I see with an emotional peaceful and blessed feeling within.
Leave a Reply