A Moment of Solace

This winter season has been particularly hard for me. A lot is going on in my life, and as briefly mentioned in my last post, I have not taken the time to do the things I love. Depression has taken hold of me like vines on an empty wall. The drive and passion for life has left me, and has been replaced with sadness. Deep down the desire to get back to what makes me happy and feel free is there, but the motivation and effort is not. With the upcoming holiday on the horizon, all negative emotions were put aside, and the effort was finally made for an escape into solitude.

The drive up the canyon was a memorable one. Low lying clouds swallowed up our surroundings and a light freezing rain was coming down. We are making our way up the mountain and come upon a beefed up FJ Cruiser on the side of the road with a police officer standing outside. It appeared the vehicle had crashed, made noticeable by the debris on the ground. No souped-up vehicle can completely overcome mother nature. After passing, I slowed my speed with a heightened sense of caution.

The amount of snow was amazing to see. So high in fact it nearly engulfed some of the road signs. Good news for trout. As we ventured further up the mountain, the feeling of freedom and happiness began to trickle inside of me (Despite my child being fussy in the backseat).  With no four wheel drive, we made our stop at a well groomed parking lot. The foggy scene with tiny ice crystals pegging my body made for a great location.  I hurried and strapped on the snow shoes and wandered up the steep mountain.

That's a lot of snow

All Emma wanted to do was eat snow.

The snow was deep and felt awesome to trudge through with ease. I carved my own untouched path through trees while trying to keep my breath. A nice meadow appeared and my tired legs called it quits, and there I sat in a moment of total peace while looking up into the white sky.

I snapped a few photos and then trekked further up the mountain. My hike was eventually interrupted by the honking of the horn. A signal to me that my toddler has had enough. Despite not ready to leave, I felt re-energized and happy, two things that have been vacant a majority of this winter. I need to get back, and soon.