Hiking toward our special spots

This was definitely the coldest morning do far. Normally on our final day, we take a silent hike after breakfast down to Sunday Rocks and climb up on them for a bit of meditation. Today however, it was decided that the rocks might be too slippery so we simply stood in front of the rocks.

While we stood silently, members of the High Trails staff read aloud some of the short quotes the campers had written on their initial visits to their special spots on Tuesday.

Quotes at Sunday Rocks

“I feel peace and serenity. I feel one with nature.”

“Above all others, I see the world as if it is mine. I am floating on the cloud.”

“So far High Trails has been super fun but extremely cold.”

” I can be cold but have fun!”

“When I explore nature I feel like I’m part of it.”

“Everyone should have a special spot, and it can be anywhere you want as long as you fell how you want to feel.”

“I feel alone and peaceful. I feel that nobody can bother me. I feel peace overtaking my racing mind.”

“I sit under my house-like tree, branches hugging me. I sit to see the sunset and moon peek out in orange and pink.”

“It is silent; it is beautiful; it is everything; it is nature.”

“I’m sitting at my special spot and I feel like I’m on top of the world, just me, myself and I.”

“It may be cold outside but no matter what the temperature, nature is always around us.”

“The quietness of the mountains makes me feel as peaceful as possible.”

“Sometimes, I feel like I need to just get away. Into the woods to my quiet space. The sun is setting, the sky is pink, the clouds are white. I can never leave.”

“Nothing describes Earth more than the simpleness of nature.”

“My spot is open and alive where I feel comfortable and safe.”

“Today I feel free.”

“My body is as cold as an ice cube, but as I look out at the sunset over Pikes Peak, my heart fills with joy and warmth.”

“Sky changing colors, mossy trees and rocks. Cold slowly drifting in. Dark sky. Small pieces of snow falling after a long Summer break.”

My spot. I hike, I walk, I run. I walk downhill in search of a spot in which I can be alone. I nearly fall, but then the small, awkward branch of a tree catches me. I look up–there, a Mother Tree. It’s branches reach wide, just in front of me. it surrounds me as if holding me close. There are trees, people and other things nearby, yet I feel alone, yet comforted.”

“A spot of mine is a spot that feels comfortable, a spot surrounded by trees, a spot where no one can find me. A spot where I feel in my element.”

A Final Hike

Settling in at our special spots

After that moving moment, we regrouped and hiked back to the special spots we had each claimed on the first day. We paused a few times for a short discussion and to take a sip of water, before making our way to the top of B Bluff once again.

Upon achieving our objective, we spent a few final moments in quiet introspection as the sun blazed down on the western side of Pikes Peak. It was a chilly but a rewarding experience.

Following a leisurely hike back to camp it was time for a huge buffet lunch and then to the buses, for a welcomed trip back home.

A usual, the lost-and-found bag was full. I managed to keep track of all my stuff right up to the last half hour, at which time my scarf and toque suddenly went missing. Oh well.

Pike Peak in the morning is a beautiful sight indeed