Digital Storytelling Contest

Guestbook Adirondacks Park - Pause.. Now Close Your Eyes and Breathe It All In.

This picture was taken during my senior year field trip to Adirondacks Park, on the peak of Mount Wright. I chose this picture because it represents a very special moment in my life with my close friends. It was the second day of our camping/hiking trip as we woke up, ate and drank some hot tea and geared up to tackle on a hike up the mountain we had spotted the previous day. At the beginning it was not so bad; we lost a few men along the way as rocks got bigger and more slippery. A few hours later we were no longer hiking, but climbing. That’s when everything started to change. There were only a few number of us brave hearts left to tackle the mountain. Unlike previously, there was a change in dynamic, trust and sincere caring was developed for one another. We started to unite and help each other through the struggles. We split into pairs and stuck together. Gave each other words of encouragement and push each other through undertaking such a mission. When we had reached the top it was like nothing I had ever experienced. Posing for a picture, looking around and feeling the accomplishment of my friends and I was priceless. We were surrounded by nothing but pure serenity, that we call nature. Taking in a breath of the cold, sweet mountain air I felt like I belonged and welcomed. It was as though someone had hit the pause button. All the sweat, tired, cold aching feet—nothing worried me at that moment. I started feeling shivers up and down my spine, and it was not from the glacial wind. I just wanted to sit down and take it all in. I felt like I was a part of something bigger, something more powerful than life itself. I will never forget this place; as it is my place of escape and sense of belonging. Where I found my love and curiosity for Mother Nature.