Upon nearing the island, all of our troubles seemed to just melt away. The light ocean air made its way through our noses and filled our lungs, lifting us up to the highest state of Zen and tranquility. We were approaching what would be the most serene and beautiful place we’d ever seen.
The island was rather large; around 26 miles in diameter, but its hidden groves and harbors made it seem small and cozy. We camped about a quarter of a mile inland. The eucalyptus trees filled the air with a scent of mint and fresh air unparalleled by anything else. Wild foxes roamed the campgrounds in search of food and possible company but were driven away by the slightest of sounds. The hills were covered with green grass and the bloom of thousands of yellow and purple flowers. It appeared as though a painter had come and painted each and every individual flower in its perfect place. The beauty of the ocean and the plains were unparallel by anything else I had ever seen. The serenity too, was something magical.
At night I’d lie on my back and stare at the stars. The wide-open sky, free of pollution, appeared to be a canvas upon which a myriad stars were drawn, each one in its perfect place, shimmering in the splendor of the night, rivaling the moon’s brightness. The sound of a passerby Frisbee filled my ears. The guys were at play, enjoying the cool breeze of the night and the smell of the eucalyptus trees. The island seemed to calm everyone down. Its tranquil air brought everyone down to a state of peace. While on the island we all shared an unspoken bond; we were one: one with each other, one with nature.
We spent our days hiking the massive trails the island had to offer. Our footsteps echoed across the wide-open plains as we marched over to Smuggler’s cove. A covering of trees gave way to a small, hidden beach that we had all to ourselves. I stood and watched the guys run out and start throwing rocks at the ocean. As I took a deep breath I gained a new level of self-awareness. Somehow, just by taking that one deep breathe, I was more in touch with myself, my goals, my challenges, even my inner most thoughts, than I had ever been before. The serenity of the island brought out the best in me. It made me want to be a better person in every way possible.
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My first thought is: jealousy, jealousy that you could experience such magic without me. But almost immediately I am overcome by the feeling that I was there with you, as I always am...in spirit. But it is through your writing that I am transported.
ReplyDeleteKudos, yet again!