Just today, while walking a transect, I found wonders aplenty. I knew my ride home was ahead, about five miles, but all I could see were the ridges and valleys between me and the horizon. I headed down and across a soft sea of dry, yellow grass that parted as I advanced. I neared the next hill, made bare by the wind, which had whipped away all the plants and exposed the soil.
Just today, while walking a transect I found wonders aplenty. I knew my ride home was ahead, about five miles, but all I could see were the ridges and valleys between me and the horizon. I headed down and across a soft sea of dry, yellow grass that parted as I advanced. I neared the next hill, made bare by the wind, which had whipped away all the plants and exposed the soil.

As I neared the mound of black earth, several spots gleamed in the sun. Upon closer inspection, I found that each spark was a crystal, possibly pushed to the surface over hundreds of years. I studied my favorites and then climbed the next ridge. On the top, bushels of sage grew everywhere, slowing me down and making me even more aware of my environment. Crushed leaves filled the air with one of the freshest scents I’ve ever smelled.

At the edge of the ridge, I came across many tipi circles, each about seven feet in diameter. I found it comforting to be reminded that people had lived and walked this place many years before I was even born. At that moment, a herd of mule deer on an alternate slope trotted away. Soon after, a golden eagle soared the skies high above me, its seven-foot wingspan giving it away.

A few minutes later, I saw my ride pulling up on the road ahead and wondered what sights my next hike would show me.

Keegan Mobley was born on a military base in Japan and grew up in homes all along the east coast of the United States. An avid photographer and energetic explorer, he is a member of the November/December 2015 Landmark Crew. 

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