PREPARATION FOR THE JOURNEY
After a day of hiking through sagebrush spattered rock and traversing unstable slate ascents and sandstone ledges, we settled in the higher grounds of the mountain. The tents were pitched inside the most acceptable clearing, which was at best, rocky and patched with scrub oak. I used no tent, and chose to enjoy the cover of trees as my blanket. While the others scrambled to set up camp and start the cook fire, I took the moment just before sundown to survey my surroundings. Darkness descended and we scavenged the area for pieces of wood that we might carve into spoons. I located, by touch alone, a suitable branch, which I trimmed and carved into the utensil that would serve to be the only shadow of civility I would keep with me on this journey. After my companions were fed and bedded down for the night, I took the opportunity to escape the camp. My intention, as it had been all evening, was to commune with the forest. I used my night senses to move quietly and gracefully, barefoot, through the trees. I let my mind and body lead the way, allowing my fingers and toes to sample the dark beauty of the woods. My senses heightened with every breath, taking in the cleansing gift of the vegetation. At one moment the soft tendrils of a new pine caught my cheek, as I was pulled into a wooden embrace, absorbing it's kindness and innocence. Another moment, I lay, bare backed, atop a glacier smoothed boulder protruding from a dry creek embankment. As I rose from my rock, an unexpected breeze teased my skin and ran it's phantom fingers through my hair. I know not how many hours I played with that wind, but after a considerable length of time, the spirit of the woods released me to the accountability of my party, and I returned to be overcome by sleep and dreams.
ENCOUNTER
The next morning proved chaotic as my inexperienced cohorts trampled the still dewey earth in search of strewn gear. Breakfast was prepared using our pooled water and a baggie full of oatmeal, but my first swallow determined that this sustenance was not for me. I washed my wooden spoon with the dirt at my feet, while a few of my companions used the last of their water to "clean up". I laughed under my breath as I looked forward to tasting the tender joints of river reeds. I could sense the presence of water not too far away, and this assured me a more befitting meal. Once on the trail, I chose to follow as I felt the need to watch and protect the clumsy 'herd'. As it happened, about an hour into the hike I picked up a straggler. She was a friendly but disheartened woman roughly twice my age, but lacking the physical condition needed to withstand the wilderness. I located the stream I had sensed earlier and offered her a chair sized rock to sit and rest. When her spent breath was regained, we moved further down the oft travelled path. My ears were tuned to the surroundings and I knew the rest of the group was still within shouting range, so I slowed our pace in order to converse with my new 'project'. We talked of her personal difficulties and also my reasons for joining the hike. She stopped suddenly, speaking of an awareness that we were being watched. I attempted to calm her fears by explaining that the group was nowhere near and her 'sensations' were most likely that of an animal. This attempt was futile, she exhibited panic and rushed off to find the rest of our team. I would have stopped her, but she needed the workout and her absence gave me time alone with our new 'taggalong'. I knew that we had been followed for several minutes and desired to meet, face to face, the presence that watched over us. I sensed a maternal but lonely air. Whatever the ghost was that accompanied me meant no harm, but was compelled to protect. I spoke of lonliness to the embankment at my right, ensuring that the animal learn of my trust. There came a break in the dense shrubbery that covered the embankment. I stopped, and slowly, with respect, turned my head toward the opening. Our eyes met and locked for only an instant. She was a lone wolf as I had suspected. How odd that this stray was not male, as is usually the case in these parts. Perhaps she had abandoned her pack in search of a lost cub. We shared souls in that split second, and I knew that she would be with me until our journeys took different paths. I closed the gap between myself and the group, saying nothing as I rejoined them. I knew they would question, and they did. I commented on the abundance of wildlife (which there was not) and continued walking in silence, vowing never to bring attention and harm to my guardian. Hours later, her seeking took her away from me. I felt her moving through the trees, and as she loped further and further away in bewilderment, I sensed she had turned her head for one last look.
