On Top of the World

Mountains are beautiful statutes that stand tall in nature. They provide not only a picturesque view but also a great place to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. One of the many mountain ranges in America is the Appalachian Mountain Range. This range stretches from the northern parts of Maine to Georgia. In New Hampshire, there is a smaller range within the AMR, called the White Mountains. The White Mountains re home to the presidential mountains as well as a few notches. The most beautiful of the notches is Carter Notch. At first glance the mountains that create Carter Notch appear small in size, however atop the mountain looking into the notch below has a whole different perspective.

Nature is all around with a plenty for an observer to see. Near the base, the trees are thick and full and numerous. Conifers and deciduous trees mix together to create a dense blanket that cloaks the mountain. There are rocks everywhere, varying in size from huge boulders to pebbles. All the rocks appear different due to the fact that they are made up of a combination of many different types of smaller rock. The boulders protrude from the face of the mountain. They are not smooth by any means, leaving perfect handholds to use for climbing. The smaller rocks are often found hidden under a brilliant green moss or Mountain moss. This soft carpet grows all over the rocks that reside in the shade. There is a river that flows from summit to base. This river is also home to many rocks. The water is very clear and crisp. A white foam forms when the crystal water tumbles over the disruptive rocks that line its bottom. The forest floor is smothered with years of pine needles and old forgotten leaves. Old brittle branches scatter on this brown and green floor. As the summit approaches, the trees change. These trees are mostly pines, but not the large pines of the base. These are smaller in every way. They are shorter, thinner, and very few and far between. Due to the higher altitude and wind factors, it is a wonder how these amazing trees survive. The summit itself appears bare and isolated, not a very welcoming site. However, looking out over the series of notches and mountains in the distance is a very different feel. These notches are like valleys but very different at the same time. From the top of a mountain it is very easy to see the difference. A valley is the space in between two mountains, where one mountain ends and the next starts in grow. A notch is a lot smaller, but still located between two mountains. A notch is a very narrow sliver of space that is a t a lower altitude that the mountains that surround it. Almost like an alleyway between two towering apartment buildings.

The feeling of being in nature is one that cannot be replicated. The trees are there, the animals are there, the rocks and sky and wind are all there but one can feel alone if they are unaware of their environment. When the trees are thick and full, it is safe and comfortable, surrounded by friendly giants protecting from the harshness of the elements. The shade provided feels cool and appears to dim the area allowing the visitor to really experience the area without relying on their optical nerves. However, the nose will pick up a slight scent, part sweet and part unrecognizable but yet definitely present. Someone uneducated in nature might sense an eerie silence, but nature is always talking. The wind starts the song with a light but strong melody complimented by the harmony of the bubbling river. The notches and valleys provide the base line for this composition. The Mountain's song is echoed back. This symphony filters into the uncivilized cities, with their obnoxious and deafening tune, to help teach the stubborn student the way. The air is crisp, clean, and sweet. With the first breath, the lungs relax and take a vacation from their round the clock filtering job. Free from man’s pollution, this air is light. It plays through the trees and along the ridgelines of the natural skyscrapers. Only when in nature’s city can one feel the hustle and bustle of the creatures, hear the song composed by the mountains, and taste of air that was not tampered with by man.

Being surrounded with nature is a great feeling. The eyes take in sights familiar only from photographs. The ears hear sounds that most miss when their ears are blown out with the loud noise of the cities. Everything is natural and free. Being atop a mountain big or small with bring a sense of understanding to anyone. The view, the sounds, the feelings in general will rush over and envelope for those moments when one is standing, on top of the world.

Nature Strikes

Mountains are often viewed as moneymakers. Many mountains are the home to ski resorts, guided tours, or high-priced housing developments. Mount Everest, the tallest peak on earth, and Mt. Vail, one of the most skied mountains are just a few examples. I live near the Appalachian Mountain Range. These mountains aren’t the tallest or the most skied, but they are mountains. Stretching from Maine to Georgia, these mountains are free. I have often spent weekends hiking the trails and enjoying the nature of New England. The Appalachian Mountain Trail starts in Maine where the trail is lined with tall coniferous trees. In New Hampshire, the trail continues with the Presidential Range. Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin all stand tall looming over numerous notches. The combination of wildlife and wildflowers line the trail as it winds its way right into Massachusetts. However, all of these beautiful mountains are plagued with an unfortunate side effect. In the mountains, the weather is very unpredictable. Weather is a huge variable when enjoying the outdoors. John Muir, a very important person in the first nature movement in the US, wrote an essay called “A Wind-Storm in the Forest”. In this essay, Muir describes his experiences in the forest while nature released a windstorm. Often, when people are in nature they forget the dangers involved. I was one of those people until my eyes were opened by an experience. Like Muir, I experienced a storm in nature. Many people view nature as just a beautiful place but it is important to remember the dangers that come along with the beauty.

Hiking is one of my many outdoor hobbies that I enjoy. My favorite area to hike is actually in New Hampshire. The area is called the White Mountains. Mount Washington is at the center of this section of the Appalachian Range, and is flanked by Crawford Notch and Franconia Notch. It is such a beautiful area but a bit secluded. I decided in the summer of my senior year that I was going to climb the presidential range in a week. The range includes about thirteen mountains to summit including Washington the tallest peak east of the Mississippi and north of the Carolinas. I have spent much of my life enjoying the outdoors and I have learned to appreciate and love nature. On this expedition I would not just complete one of my goals but also open my eyes to the dangers that come along with the beauty of nature.

I thought the week started out very well unaware of what was about to happen. I summated Webster, Jackson, Pierce, Eisenhower, Franklin, and Monroe by Wednesday. I was on track to complete my goal. I was hiking with my Uncle and we both were surprised at how the well the weather had held up. We expected some rain and some colder nights, but we were not expecting what Mother Nature was to throw at us. Thursday morning we were to start Washington and end on Mt. Clay. The rain started at about nine, but there was nothing to worry about. The rain was nothing but a light but constant drizzle a simple light rain coat could cure. At the summit of Washington, the rain was still going with the addition of a wind that was blowing through the trees and trail. Acting on the side of caution, my uncle and I did not stay long to appreciate the view and kept hiking. By the time we had reached midway up the side of Mt. Clay, the rain was pouring and the wind was blowing very hard. We started to hike faster to reach a suitable place to set up our tent, and take shelter from this developing storm. Then the thunder and lightning started. There was no time for a tent or anything. We got into a position that supposedly protects people when lightning is striking. In any other instance this position would look pretty funny. Crouched down close to the ground with our heels touching and packs thrown away from us, we looked at each other with a hint of fear in our eyes. The storm blew over trees and threw the leaves from the ground up into the air. Lightning was striking all around while the thunder did not waste a beat.

It seemed like the storm lasted an eternity, probably due to the fact that there was almost no shelter from this very intense natural experience. I was surrounded by nature that under any other circumstance I would be enjoying, but this time it seemed different. The weather had changed the environment for me. It showed a different face, a not-so-beautiful face. Feeling very exposed, I had the chance to think about my situation. I was literally at the mercy of the storm. However, the storm would not stop me. My uncle and I continued up the mountain once the lighting had passed. Soaked and a little shaken, we set up camp. The next day we were off again, nothing was going to stop me from achieving my goal. By the end of the week, I had indeed climbed the Presidential Range through lightning and all.

That evening, I learned a lot about nature. It is indeed beautiful and enjoyable. Walking on a sunny day, one could forget the dangers of nature. That lightning storm reminded me of the dangers nature can throw at a person any second. I will never forget the feeling of being crouched down hoping that I would not get hit by a bolt. From avalanches to tsunamis to tornadoes to simple lightning storms, Mother Nature is very capable of destroying not only material things but people as well. Nature is responsible for many deaths a year. Regardless of this undisputable fact, my feelings about nature and the environment have not changed. I still love being outside, surrounding by nature. I appreciate both what nature is capable of doing as well as its lighter more beautiful side. Once people experience these types of natural occurrences they are exposed to the true nature, whether good or bad.