The temperature was perfect and the smell of pine was intoxicating. For me, this photograph captures the quintessential essence of all that I love in the mountains; a flowing river, a towering peak, a rich green forest, and dancing clouds. When I close my eyes and think of being in surrounded by nature, this is the place I picture. I was working in a youth detention center in a nearby city when I decided to take a week and venture into the wild. Usually it takes grueling hikes to get to such a place, but believe it or not, the beautiful campground where I was staying is tucked only a few hundred yards away. The perfect shot was hiding in plain sight and I’m glad I didn’t miss it.
