nature
The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.
The Great Tree's Game
Remi felt the tree watching him, but he did not know where to look. Staring down at its roots could imply he was afraid. He shouldn’t look into its web of branches for fear it would be offended at his boldness. Perhaps its trunk? Surely, there was no way the tree would feel offense if Remi looked at its trunk.
By Benny Shlesinger5 years ago in Wander
The Owl of Alabaster Lake
The argent light of the moon's reflection glistened softly in the still waters of Lake Alabaster. Vincent navigated labyrinthine corridors of thought, lost, the walls of his own mind closing in on him. Suffocating him as surely as drowning in the serene waters before him. He had escaped to the great outdoors to distance himself from the dullness and doldrums of what had gradually become a dismal existence. He took a deep breath of crisp winter air, enjoying the idyllic beauty surrounding him. Wondrous as it was, it did little to ease the existential dread that so haunted him. The light dimmed and winked out as clouds enshrouded the moonlit bitter cold winter night in darkness. He struck flint to steel. The spark ignited kindling and the campfire he'd prepared came to life. Losing himself in the dancing flames his consciousness unexpectedly gave way to restless sleep.
By Casey Pepin5 years ago in Wander
Pitter's Yellow Grass
Pitter pattered from one bent, yellow long-grass to the next, his hands and feet feeling every little bump and dip in the dirt on his way. His tail left a near imperceptible trail; likely only his own kind could see it. But it wasn’t the trail he was worried about.
By Brianna Barnett5 years ago in Wander
Winter Home
It was a cold snowy morning atop of the glazed hill where I awakened. The shivers went down my spine, as I stretched out my arms and legs as much as my little body could. The frost around my home was glistening and dripping, as if it were melting by the heat of the sun. A ray of sunshine came up over the hill and shun through my home onto my face. I was delighted, and I quickly let out a long yawn as the warmth came over my body once again. I then turned to my left then my right, trying to decide which way I desired to scramble to my feet. I felt hungry, a slight grumbling came from my stomach. I began to search about my home to find something tasty to eat. Sadly nothing edible was found. Determined to find some food, I had made up my mind to go out. It was a decision not made lightly, but I knew that I must in order to survive the rest of the winter. It was still chilly but the sun helped even out the feeling of the cold breeze. I went out to the edge of the hill, it was now snowing. A few flakes of white floated down towards the ground and landed on and around me. I slowly followed some footprints already made in the snow down the now icy hill. Alert and trying to be aware of my surrounding neighbors, I started to slide a little. I quickly caught my balance. I was feeling very clever that I didn't fall over. I then heard a loud screech a crossed the sky. I looked up, trying not to be blinded by the sun. Scarcely being able to see through the flakes of snow, that had landed on my eyelashes. I had seen a barn owl, it swooped towards my home atop of the hill. It landed on a perch right near my front door. Driven by fear I froze, frightened by the sound. I hoped I was not seen, I did not want to disturb it's hunting. For it was known they hunt during the day as well as night. Still frozen not wanting to make any sound I stayed where I was. Thinking to myself I would have to be careful to remain unseen. The barn owl was fluffing out it's feathers and turning it's head searching the grounds. I must be covered in snow more then I thought, for I was not seen. It took to the sky once again, spreading out it's brown and white wings heading in the other direction towards the mountains and steep cliffs. I heard it let out one last screech that echoed throughout the valley. What a wonderous sight to be seen, even though I had been frightened I now felt rejoiced. I could now continue my search for food. It is usually a quiet area around my home during winter, everyone keeps to themselves. I finally inched away from my spot on the hill where I had froze up. Heading to the bottom once again. It felt a longer walk then normal. Still looking about for any other critters that might come my way. I came upon the path way that led into the woods, which was sparkling with ice and snow. The footprints I was following came to a stop, at the trunk of a tree. A white rabbit sat in front of me at the base. Just above it's head was a wide hole in the tree. It stopped twitching it's nose and looked at me. I had nothing to fear from a rabbit so I smiled and gently scooted up the bark. Then the rabbit ever so quietly hopped away. Inside the tree it was surprisingly dry. The far corner was piled full of my spring collection of acorns. They were untouched and tasty looking as ever. As I started to eat, I smiled to myself. Oh how clever I had been to have had a second home in winter. Feeling grateful for making it in one piece, I gleamed out of my home out over the snow. The sun was now starting to set as it went behind the hill I caught a ray on my face once again. I started to doze off, thinking, dreaming of what adventures tomorrow might bring.
By Jess Gambino5 years ago in Wander
The Clearing
Dear Reader, before you begin to read my story - I thought you might enjoy a lovely piece of music to set the tone for your own personal "walk" as you read my story. My amazing nephew, Scott David Thompson wrote this lovely piece of music which accompanies my words beautifully and sets the tone for the places in your heart I hope my story will inspire you to visit. So click on the musical link below, close your eyes, listen, and then read "The Clearing" - hoping that this experience guides you to some memory that is wanting to be remembered, honored, and/or bring you peace.
By Kathleen Thompson5 years ago in Wander
My Relationship with Nature
I grew up outside, like a chickadee or a farm cat. The outdoors will always be my home, when I’m inside buildings a large part of my being goes to sleep, night or day. I think many thrive inside and when they do look for nature and adventure they seek out beautiful scenes of blue lakes and thick trees that let golden light trickle in. It becomes a place of temporary restoration. This is not how I connect to nature. From gravel and dirt paths through flat fields that lead the eye out for miles, to a burning sun you want to rip out of the sky, my nature is plain; it is every day and it is breathtakingly fantastic. Even on the interstate when I pass through an area where the land swells, stretching out fat and wide, I feel my entire presence expanding to those limits. It moves rapidly to foot paths and shady spots I will never reside in.
By Maria Sisul5 years ago in Wander
The Branch Above
The day is new and full of hope, hope for a better tomorrow. I didn't want to wake up today, not here. Not in this world. Let me take you back a few years; nineteen to be exact. I was just a child, a mere few weeks old, and my parents took me camping. I am talking middle of nowhere, tent for shelter, no toilet camping. I can not say that I remember every detail; in fact, there's only two things I can recall. Owls. Two beautiful white owls perched on the branch above.
By Lisa Luehrs5 years ago in Wander
The Wolf
The cold breeze kisses my face in delight and then moves on to make the trees sway, cheating them out of their golden, bloody, mud, and ginger colored leaves. A few leaves drop slowly, fluttering to the ground with the grace of a butterfly. They are autumn’s snowflakes that litter the ground with all the pigment of the fall’s palette. From there, the wind continues on to caress the few birds that still remain in their nests, curled up against the cold, their wings wrapped around themselves, using their sleek feathers to keep their soft little delicate bodies warm. Flying away from the birds, the wind continues up into the sky and down to the forest floor to whisk up the fallen colors and to ruffle my red hair and redden my cheeks.
By Alexandra H Gulcan5 years ago in Wander
