Voices in the wilderness: At peace atop Grouse Ridge

I had never felt so at peace in my life than I did on the top of Grouse Ridge. A fall fog settled down below me, with the appearance of a lake covering all of the land. The sun had just begun to peek over the tops of the mountains east of me. All around me, of all sorts of different species of birds began chirping their little beaks off. It was such an amazing feeling, sitting atop the mountain alone — just me, the woodland creatures and the beautiful view of Montana’s land.

I remember thinking to myself how crazy it would be if a mountain lion, a bear or something else showed up. Moments later, about 20 yards away from me, off to my left, a moose pushed his way through the thick brush and into the clearing where I resided. At first I was startled, but then the moose noticed me. Rather than trotting off or getting spooked, he just looked right at me and then began to sniff towards the ground. I wasn’t sure what exactly the bull had been doing, but I knew he didn’t find me a threat, so there was nothing to worry about.

By this time, the sun’s heat had finally started getting intense. I shed a couple layers of my clothing and sat on a nearby log overlooking the lake of fog. I pulled out a sandwich I had prepared myself before I went on my journey. 

There is no place like the peaceful woods to just pause life and truly enjoy the gift that we all have living in an area like Montana. The wild is a place where you can escape the reality of electronics, politics and school and just think — not particularly about one thing, but about everything; one subject or many. Alone out in the woods is by far the most spectacular place to just let loose and discover yourself.

After what seemed to have been hours of my day, but was actually just one, I decided that it was time for me to say goodbye to the woodland creatures and head back home. One of my homes anyway, for I consider the outdoors my home as well since it gives me a true sense of belonging, security, and comfort. I feel truly blessed to live in such a great place with so much wildlife and outdoor opportunities.

Gunner Jordan wrote this essay for the 2013 Friends of Scotchman Peaks Scholarship Essay Competition. He graduated from Troy High School in 2013.