Saturday, April 05, 2008

The Storm

The window to my soul flies open. Light floods in and the seed that has lain dormant on that fertile plot for a near eternity unexpectedly begins to germinate.

I find myself high in the mountains enshrouded in thinly veiled mist. We can still, however, look out over the vast range into the valleys far below. I imagine the rush soaring eagles must feel in the midst of each noble swoop peering over such majestic terrain.

The alpine fog thickens slightly as it swirls around the mountains’ highest peaks creating a mystical enchantment that charms us all. Under its spell, we are drawn in and rush towards the edge of the massive granite slab which drops precipitously into treacherous vertical cliffs beneath us.

Mountain weather moves in haste. The once light breeze strengthens its force as the sky begins to undulate and darken above us. The storm quickly envelops us and the others fade out of my view as thick fog quickly snakes around me. The air buzzes like a swarm of angry bees as icy rain bitterly begins to chafe my exposed skin raw. The hissing intensifies and luminous blue sparks explode off nearby rocks dancing fervently.

My hair begins to stand on end literally and I immediately realize the whole mountain is electrified. I call out frantically to the others, but the howling winds silence my pleas. I fight against the gale as I make my way to the nearby cabin to seek refuge. I desperately yell from the doorway into the face of the wind hoping the others will come.

Suddenly my sister emerges through the clouds running towards the doorway. She rushes in as the air explodes with a deafening thunderclap and simultaneous lightning flash. The others are nowhere. We huddle inside waiting for the calamity to pass.

25 comments:

pandave said...

i can imagine myself in the middle of it all. when did this happen? i was reading and thinking - carla gets to see so much and live in such an exciting way. breathtaking.

pandave said...

oh my goodness carla! whatagooseiam! i didn't realise that cwilson was you!! so here i was thinking wow, i wonder who this cwilson is that carla gets her great photos from. i think it is time for bed...

The Fool said...

Those are some beautiful mountains, Nomad. Your composition creates an interesting tension as an accompaniment. As you note - a mystical enchantment. Nicely done.

Thank you for sharing. Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Wow, amazing is the might of your words within nature's strength from scenic beauty - you depict so beautifully.

Pink said...

Gorgeous, Carla. Gorgeous!
xx
pinks

Annie Wicking said...

Wow what wonderful words and pictures...

I enjoyed your piece. Thank you for sharing them with us.

I'm glad you and your sister were safe.

Best wishes and a hot cup of tea for you and your sister.

Annie

JBelle said...

oh. oh. oh.

Carla said...

Pandave, Although most of what I write are my actual experiences, this one only took place in my head. It was a dream that gave me a huge adrenaline rush and left me gasping for breath.

And that's so funny about the pictures. Yes, it is indeed me who I take on all my wild adventures to take pictures of it all.

Carla said...

Fool, The mountains around here are mystical and enchanting. Some of the nicest in the world, in my humble opinion. Hope you had a nice weekend.

Peter, Thank you. I hope winter's last traces are now quickly disappearing and the spring is finally arriving in Britain. It's getting close here.

Carla said...

Pinks, Thanks.

Annie, I'm sipping on a hot cup of tea as we speak. Just the perfect thing for an afternoon such as this. Pull up a chair and grab yourself a cup as well.

Carla said...

JBelle, You remind me very much of Anne in the Dick and Jane books. Anne says, "Oh, oh, oh!"

Anonymous said...

May the Spring awaken within us all - the beauty - a camera brings - as we escape once more outdoors...

Luv your photography - a joy to see...

Steffi said...

Great pictures and a very good post again,Carla!

Carla said...

Peter, Glad you enjoy the photography. I am still waiting impatiently for spring to really arrive in these parts.

Steffi, Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Ed & Jeanne said...

Beautiful pictures and words Carla. But I'm ready for palm trees swaying with a gentle trade wind across a white sand beach and aqua water. I need a few warm sunny days before I get in the mood for the mountains again.

Fuser said...

Carla, I don't know whether I like the pictures more than the way you build your story. But the effect is remarkable. You reminded me of my tracking on the Alps. I have never been in Canada, do your mountains recall my Alps someway? Thanks for sharing!
Good night and good luck.

Carla said...

VE, I'll be on the first boat going in that direction. I hear that a hot summer is being predicted, but at the speed we're going, it'll be winter again before that happens.

Fede, If the photos remind you of the alps I'm not surprised...there are remarkable similarities between these mountains and those you find across the Atlantic. Both make one feel like singing.

Anonymous said...

Great photos. I remember when we were young, my brother and sisters and I were afraid of the thunder so we played a game where every time the thunder would roar, we would run to another room and amidst squeals, hide until the next thunder clap.

Anonymous said...

Love the mountains. We'll be going through them in a couple of weeks to hit Vancouver Island.

Carla said...

Dawn, Those childhood memories are so precious. I still remember similar games like that as well.

Sirdar, Hopefully the weather and roads will be good by the time you go through.

Mélanie said...

It is gorgeous !!Wonderful photos and words

jillie said...

I think mountains are absolutely gorgeous! They are so majestic and regal. If they could only talk.

Carla said...

Melanie, Thanks for dropping by. I'm glad you like the photos.

Jillie, Oh, the stories the hills and mountains could tell, to be sure.

Anonymous said...

Thrilling tale. It seems your fantasies frequently leave you and/or your readers gasping for breath and filled with adrenalin. Not a bad thing.

Spring has arrived in the southern U.S. and there are lovely blossoms everywhere. Birds nesting, bees buzzing.

Randy

Carla said...

Randy, There was a bird singing his heart out just the other day and they are predicting warmer weather by the weekend. I hope so. And yes to the adrenalin rushes.