nature
The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.
Winter Home
It was a cold snowy morning atop of the glazed hill where I awakened. The shivers went down my spine, as I stretched out my arms and legs as much as my little body could. The frost around my home was glistening and dripping, as if it were melting by the heat of the sun. A ray of sunshine came up over the hill and shun through my home onto my face. I was delighted, and I quickly let out a long yawn as the warmth came over my body once again. I then turned to my left then my right, trying to decide which way I desired to scramble to my feet. I felt hungry, a slight grumbling came from my stomach. I began to search about my home to find something tasty to eat. Sadly nothing edible was found. Determined to find some food, I had made up my mind to go out. It was a decision not made lightly, but I knew that I must in order to survive the rest of the winter. It was still chilly but the sun helped even out the feeling of the cold breeze. I went out to the edge of the hill, it was now snowing. A few flakes of white floated down towards the ground and landed on and around me. I slowly followed some footprints already made in the snow down the now icy hill. Alert and trying to be aware of my surrounding neighbors, I started to slide a little. I quickly caught my balance. I was feeling very clever that I didn't fall over. I then heard a loud screech a crossed the sky. I looked up, trying not to be blinded by the sun. Scarcely being able to see through the flakes of snow, that had landed on my eyelashes. I had seen a barn owl, it swooped towards my home atop of the hill. It landed on a perch right near my front door. Driven by fear I froze, frightened by the sound. I hoped I was not seen, I did not want to disturb it's hunting. For it was known they hunt during the day as well as night. Still frozen not wanting to make any sound I stayed where I was. Thinking to myself I would have to be careful to remain unseen. The barn owl was fluffing out it's feathers and turning it's head searching the grounds. I must be covered in snow more then I thought, for I was not seen. It took to the sky once again, spreading out it's brown and white wings heading in the other direction towards the mountains and steep cliffs. I heard it let out one last screech that echoed throughout the valley. What a wonderous sight to be seen, even though I had been frightened I now felt rejoiced. I could now continue my search for food. It is usually a quiet area around my home during winter, everyone keeps to themselves. I finally inched away from my spot on the hill where I had froze up. Heading to the bottom once again. It felt a longer walk then normal. Still looking about for any other critters that might come my way. I came upon the path way that led into the woods, which was sparkling with ice and snow. The footprints I was following came to a stop, at the trunk of a tree. A white rabbit sat in front of me at the base. Just above it's head was a wide hole in the tree. It stopped twitching it's nose and looked at me. I had nothing to fear from a rabbit so I smiled and gently scooted up the bark. Then the rabbit ever so quietly hopped away. Inside the tree it was surprisingly dry. The far corner was piled full of my spring collection of acorns. They were untouched and tasty looking as ever. As I started to eat, I smiled to myself. Oh how clever I had been to have had a second home in winter. Feeling grateful for making it in one piece, I gleamed out of my home out over the snow. The sun was now starting to set as it went behind the hill I caught a ray on my face once again. I started to doze off, thinking, dreaming of what adventures tomorrow might bring.
By Jess Gambino5 years ago in Wander
The Clearing
Dear Reader, before you begin to read my story - I thought you might enjoy a lovely piece of music to set the tone for your own personal "walk" as you read my story. My amazing nephew, Scott David Thompson wrote this lovely piece of music which accompanies my words beautifully and sets the tone for the places in your heart I hope my story will inspire you to visit. So click on the musical link below, close your eyes, listen, and then read "The Clearing" - hoping that this experience guides you to some memory that is wanting to be remembered, honored, and/or bring you peace.
By Kathleen Thompson5 years ago in Wander
My Relationship with Nature
I grew up outside, like a chickadee or a farm cat. The outdoors will always be my home, when I’m inside buildings a large part of my being goes to sleep, night or day. I think many thrive inside and when they do look for nature and adventure they seek out beautiful scenes of blue lakes and thick trees that let golden light trickle in. It becomes a place of temporary restoration. This is not how I connect to nature. From gravel and dirt paths through flat fields that lead the eye out for miles, to a burning sun you want to rip out of the sky, my nature is plain; it is every day and it is breathtakingly fantastic. Even on the interstate when I pass through an area where the land swells, stretching out fat and wide, I feel my entire presence expanding to those limits. It moves rapidly to foot paths and shady spots I will never reside in.
By Maria Sisul5 years ago in Wander
The Branch Above
The day is new and full of hope, hope for a better tomorrow. I didn't want to wake up today, not here. Not in this world. Let me take you back a few years; nineteen to be exact. I was just a child, a mere few weeks old, and my parents took me camping. I am talking middle of nowhere, tent for shelter, no toilet camping. I can not say that I remember every detail; in fact, there's only two things I can recall. Owls. Two beautiful white owls perched on the branch above.
By Lisa Luehrs5 years ago in Wander
The Wolf
The cold breeze kisses my face in delight and then moves on to make the trees sway, cheating them out of their golden, bloody, mud, and ginger colored leaves. A few leaves drop slowly, fluttering to the ground with the grace of a butterfly. They are autumn’s snowflakes that litter the ground with all the pigment of the fall’s palette. From there, the wind continues on to caress the few birds that still remain in their nests, curled up against the cold, their wings wrapped around themselves, using their sleek feathers to keep their soft little delicate bodies warm. Flying away from the birds, the wind continues up into the sky and down to the forest floor to whisk up the fallen colors and to ruffle my red hair and redden my cheeks.
By Alexandra H Gulcan5 years ago in Wander
Into the Gap
I often used to leash the dog up for a hike along the front range slope facing the Carquinez Straits. Reaching the mesa, the land stretched out in front of me in a fine California tableau of oatgrass and live oak trees. I knew that in the dark green of windbreak grove about a quarter mile back there was an abandoned ranch house hidden in the valley between two rolling hills, and it was there that I meant to go wandering with my thoughts.
By susan marie loehe5 years ago in Wander
The owl of the night
I found myself lost again. In the deep hollow forest. I was at the point were there were only two paths to go. Neither looked pleasant. I decided to get lost and create my own path. I was always told if I get lost stay and wait for help. I was also told to not go too far off path. I stopped caring. I kept walking. It was dark, foggy, and I heard all types of critters crawling. Spiders always jump out on me in the dark. I wasn’t scared but I knew what I was doing wasn’t right. I could get eaten by a bear or a wolf any second. I felt like dorothy. The lions, the tigers, the bears oh my. I kept walking. Each step I felt more alone. I felt more brave. I felt more mystical. I found a cave with leaves and branches to hide it. The only light I had was the fireflies or lightning bugs in my jar. I walked through the cave. It was a path. I kept walking. As I kept walking the rocks and mud started to turn back into leaves and grass. The strangest sight to my eyes. It was daylight. I don’t know what I walked myself into. How was I going to get back home? I got really anxious. I heard A noise. A Snapple crack of a stick. That’s when I met him. That’s when I met winxy yap. The white owl of the hickory cave deep in the hollow forest. He was the wisest, the grumpiest, and still the most ancient of the hickory cave. His eyes glowed of embers and amber. He introduced himself with a wink. I was confused on how I knew him. I knew him from my dreams. I knew him from the childhood books I would write. I didn’t know he was real. I didn’t know he knew me too. After the first night I found myself hiking back to the same cave each night after my parents fell asleep. I couldn’t get enough of him. He would show me around the cave and the other forest named twigmox. He would tell me the ancient stores of him and his ancestors. He would introduce me to the other animals. He wasn’t friends with them but he thought I deserved to meet them after my 4th night of coming back. There was a Caterpillar who always laughed and mocked me, his name was geofillowdee. The caterpillar wore a bow to show elegance. The wolf named Margo was sad and always begging for my attention. Margo lost her pack 6 years ago; she hasn’t been the same since. She always had a red blanket to lay on. Then I met Jilly who was a bunny always playing tricks on me. Jilly wore a hate to make her taller and had magic cards that could change colors. Then the grasshopper who wore goggles and a compass. He would be good at therapy but he stutters so much I can hardly get a word out of him. Last was the willow tree. We called her mother flow. Flow and winxy yap were the ancients. They knew more about history than the humans. Flow was emotionally supportive to me. Each night I crawled into that cave. I even made a map to find my way back. Each night I brought a different story book and colored pencil. Each night I brought along my notebook and sketchbook. I had to write down these stories winxy yap would tell but in return I would share a story from my collection even if they were my own stories they still got the animals hooked. There were many more animals in the woods who listened but they were too afraid to show themselves. They were scared I would bring friends to my secret spot. I wouldn’t do that. One day though after it got really late I went again this time it felt strange. Something wasn’t right. I wanted to go so bad I ignored my instincts. I grab my pencil and books. I wouldn’t bring a phone, it was forbidden. As I walked into the cave I heard steps behind me. Light fast and squeaky steps. I turned around to find Ryo, my friend from school. My jaw dropped as my eyes flopped. And as I turned back towards the path in the cave all I found were walls. Cave walls. That was they say I found out two things. Only I can go in and out. Ryo has placed his two feet in a place where they shall not land. The next night I went back and that was when I learned my hardest lesson. I broke a rule. It looked like I brought a friend, a human friend. I was locked out forever.
By Isabella Demarest5 years ago in Wander
Home, Candle Flame, Stars - and Finding A New Home
I love exploring wild landscapes, completely off the path, and have always been drawn to new landscapes, feeling unsettled in the places I’ve called home. Coming from a difficult family, I grew up mostly without places I could call my own, or wanted to stay.
By Kora Tien Wellness5 years ago in Wander
Almost a Forest
I love to hear the pine-needles whisper among the wind. When the sun sets the trees blacken against the painted sky or crimson and orange. These are the same trees I grew up with. Echoes of laughter pour in from years long past. Time spent out among this yard, encompassed by its trees, comes flooding back into my mind's eye.
By Tayla Bennett5 years ago in Wander
