I started
this morning out with a 6 and a half mile run on Trinity Trails. This was my second time running on the trails and I really enjoyed getting up early and
outside. I took off west from University just as the sun was cracking over the
Fort Worth skyline. As I ran I made an effort to observe nature, something that
this class has emphasized. I realized that this class has not only exposed me
to environmental writing, but it has also made me more aware of my surroundings
and the beauty that can be found in nature, even on Trinity Trails in the
middle of Fort Worth. About a mile in I observed some mallards sitting quietly
on the glassy surface of the Trinity River. This encounter made me think of a
quote by Edward Abbey that I really enjoyed. It is from Abbey’s famous Desert
Solitaire. The quote is, “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous,
leading to the most amazing view.” When I read this quote, I think of a true
adventurer. Does a true adventure always want smooth trails and happy times? I
don’t think so. I think the reason an adventurer is attracted to nature is for
its unpredictable, wild possibilities. I believe that the desire to explore would
be lost in a nature with predictability. Through the wildness of nature, the
crooked, winding, lonesome, and dangerous trail, we the adventurer come out to
see the most amazing view. I read this and I also think of how it pertains to
life. It seems that those that put themselves through hardships academically,
spiritually, or physically, have a different outlook on life. Often, I portray
their outlook on life as more positive in comparison to a person that doesn’t
take pride in something or have extreme passions. Spiritually I want to be a
passionate person. I want to take pride in not only the little things but also
things like exercise, eating healthy, and acting with intention. This class
was my first time encountering Edward Abbey and his unique writing style. I
found that I really enjoyed his perspective on nature, as well as his humor.
I found myself so
lost in thought that I almost forgot to turn around at the halfway point. I
did, however, remember. When I turned around I was met with a beautiful view of
the sun rising, now bright and orange, over Fort Worth. There is some energy
that you get from seeing this and getting up and getting moving. It allows for
a peaceful start to any day, that is usually followed with stresses like
assignments and exams. Turning around I can see the winding trail ahead of me
as the Trinity cuts through the landscape. I’ve encountered many gorgeous
rivers in my lifetime, from Colorado, to New Mexico, and even Canada. The
Trinity is by far the ugliest. But when I find myself confined to the city in
the middle of the school semester, I can find small things that make it
strangely beautiful. I find beauty in the birds, especially the ducks, although
they clearly aren’t migratory since it’s early October. I imagine they will get
even more beautiful when November rolls around and the wild birds begin to
migrate in. Wild Teal, widgeons, mallards, and pintails from the Northern
states will be taking refuge in none other than the Trinity River. I also see
beauty in the seemingly plentiful supply of fish in the Trinity. I was almost
halfway back to University when I noticed a school of largemouth bass feeding
on baitfish in the shallows right next to the bank. I was taught from a young
age that the baitfish make the water “nervous” and can be marked by rain drops.
The bass attacked from underneath, busting out of the water in a feeding
frenzy. As a fisherman my adrenaline shot up because this is what we dream
about.
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