Arise
We hiked for several hours up the mountains through territory unfamiliar to me, carrying two days worth of gear and slipping and sliding our way through the first real snowfall of the year, our sight limited by surrounding fog so thick we couldn't see more than a few feet in any direction. The night was spent a cabin that seemed in the middle of nowhere, as if suspended in time and space - lost in the whiteout fog and silence of the empty mountains for miles around. Silent, save for the joyful laughter of good friends that could be heard from inside the cabin, perhaps spurred on by the wine and chocolate that somehow was prioritized to be carried up the mountain. Night passed, morning came, the fog still heavy... We wandered through the fresh blankets of snow, hoping and waiting for the sun to break through. And then, it did. The mist began to roll back down the mountain, lit brilliant gold by the rising sun, and we got our first view of our surroundings as I took this self-portrait. I can't remember if I said any words in particular during this moment, but I do remember my heart soaring and feeling the happiest I've felt in a long time, standing here in my element and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen. It will be a long time before I ever forget this one.
Arise
We hiked for several hours up the mountains through territory unfamiliar to me, carrying two days worth of gear and slipping and sliding our way through the first real snowfall of the year, our sight limited by surrounding fog so thick we couldn't see more than a few feet in any direction. The night was spent a cabin that seemed in the middle of nowhere, as if suspended in time and space - lost in the whiteout fog and silence of the empty mountains for miles around. Silent, save for the joyful laughter of good friends that could be heard from inside the cabin, perhaps spurred on by the wine and chocolate that somehow was prioritized to be carried up the mountain. Night passed, morning came, the fog still heavy... We wandered through the fresh blankets of snow, hoping and waiting for the sun to break through. And then, it did. The mist began to roll back down the mountain, lit brilliant gold by the rising sun, and we got our first view of our surroundings as I took this self-portrait. I can't remember if I said any words in particular during this moment, but I do remember my heart soaring and feeling the happiest I've felt in a long time, standing here in my element and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen. It will be a long time before I ever forget this one.