It is to this mountainous terrain that Alex takes me to. We drive to the foothills of the mountain range and park at a base camp site. The vista is breathtaking. All around us are snowcapped peaks streaked with green and crimson, topped by the overpowering blue sky. The air is crisp and fresh and a lot cooler than in the valleys, and everything smells of honeysuckle and grass. There’s a nip to the wind as it rushes down the mountains, carrying with it the scent of snow. I’m glad we came. Out here, I feel attuned to nature once again. Nature doesn’t judge people. It just is. A few other cars are parked there as well, indicating there are other hikers aside from us. “I come here a lot,” Alex says. “Especially when I need to chill out and be alone.” “Oh, do you want me to go?” “Ha ha. Funny. I brought you here because I wanted to share it with you and because I think we can both use a break.” I get that. Alex is never one for city life. He much prefers nature and indigenous peoples.
