Excerpt from one of my novels

My vision is blurred as if I am running in a cloud of dust. I must keep moving toward that tiny entrance in the thick evergreens. There are only minutes until the opportunity closes and I shall be trapped here forever in time unable to protect this mystical and sacred place. This place and the people are valuable to the future. "Keep going" I scream at myself, "you are almost there" As I lunge forward I can feel a slight shift in ground beneath me so I surge even more energy into my legs. I am getting close but the roar from behind me indicates my pursuers are right on my tail. I can hear the shouting, arrows whisking by my head, panting horses, heavy hoof beats and the guttural yell of war cries. So chilling are these cries that my voice gets locked in my throat and tears pour from my eyes. I know they cannot see me I can tell by the shouting and the arrows zinging pass my body, these men never miss their targets. Out of breath, energy zapped and legs like logs I keep my eyes forward. I want to look back to see those bright blue warrior eyes searching for me but the pain in my gut will not give me that opportunity. I said goodbye and now I go. As I pound my way down the path, I can feel the air grabbing me with a suction force that I know I am through the passage way, the dust will settle and I can rest and be free. The sound of war is now lost behind me and I hear nothing. My escape is complete but my mission has only begun. I close my eyes and I hit the ground in a roll and then I am out.

Holy Cross Defense Fund

Holy Cross Wilderness

The unmoving quiet of the mountains is energizing.  Each step into the wilderness; layer after layer of stress, pain and sorrow is peeled away by some refreshing, rejuvenating touch.  Your senses sharpen and your mind comes alive.  Life possibilities open before you, the blinders drop and a new spirit is released beginning to feel refreshed.  Freedom propels you further into the experience and suddenly issues that have been consuming your mind come into focus.  As this happens the sharpness of these problems smooth out and their impact lessens.  Are they as important as we think they are?  Not comparably but the answers appear as your mind can finally see around the edges and the clarity glides over them.  Fresh air in quiet places allows everyone to focus on true priorities without unwanted distractions. .Stressful emotions melt away and the energy surrounding your body brings only comfort. 

Why can’t we remember how these places make us feel?  Why are we so trapped in our lives that we won’t take a hike toward our inner freedom.  There are people who remember how being in the mountains makes them feel.  For most of us, these places exist out our back door.  A word of caution because these places are disappearing because of what is called progress.  This progression will destroy what we need to live and be free.  Holy Cross Wilderness is one such place that needs our help and protection.  Our big cities are stealing what we, the animals and plants need to exist and a place where our souls can find that peaceful release.  People who live in this great state of Colorado are here for the vast and gorgeous wilderness.  Protection of this area is imperative to our existence.  Please help protect this treasure by donating to the Holy Cross Wilderness Defense Fund.   

Written by

Katie Kukar

For the Holy Cross Wilderness Defense Fund