Nature’s strength and games: A playful moment with nature becomes a clear sign of courage.[/caption]

It’s no secret that I love being outdoors. From shoveling snow to sitting by a fire, being hypnotized by its crackling, there isn’t much I don’t love about being outside. My favorite thing to do is hike.

Nothing makes me feel better if I’m sad than submerging myself in a forest. Amidst the wilderness, I find everything I need for clarification. Towards the end of Autumn 2023, I was seeking a sign to help me clarify a future decision.

I wanted to clear the air between my mind and my heart. As I pulled into a parking space at the White Ranch Park West Trailhead, I saw more people than I would have liked. I focused on the purpose of being there.

With many options for hiking, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I found the quiet I was craving. White Ranch Park is the largest park in the Jeffco Open Space system, with 20 miles of multi-use trails on easy and rugged terrain.

Many trails cross paths, so you decide how much ground you want to cover. Permits are needed to access Ralston Buttes, as the area is a designated habitat to protect bears and raptors.

White Ranch Park is one of two Jeffco Open Space parks that allow for permitted semi-primitive, tent- only camping. Within the first 30 minutes of my hike, I came to a screeching halt as a snake slithered across the trail.

At first glance, I thought it was a rattlesnake, but the sneaky reptile was only a mimic of its venomous cousin. To this day, I have no clue what it was. Perhaps a breed of bullsnake. Nonetheless, I took some photos while I waited for it to cross.

A few meters ahead, a faery in disguise (a butterfly) fluttered in my direction, landing just a few feet away. With a childlike spirit, I played with its shadow until it flew away, leading me to my next destination.

I stopped again to admire a cowboy on his horse, and suddenly, the horse honed in on me. The cowboy stopped beside me as another hiker approached. The horse and I exchanged glances. He was beautiful.

As the two other humans spoke, I couldn’t turn my gaze away from the beautiful equine. At that very moment, I wish I possessed the skills to communicate with horses. Interrupting the conversation, I inquired about the horse’s name. Upon learning its name, I realized the horse was my clarity.

“His name is Courage,” answered the cowboy. I sighed as my heart raced. I leaned in to hug Courage and whispered, “Thank you.” Some cultures believe snakes and butterflies are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, hope, and healing.

Horses are majestic animals embodying the power of independence, freedom, endurance, confidence, triumph, and heroism. Courage, the ability and the horse, became what I was seeking. Moreover, it was a reminder that the best decisions are sometimes the most uncomfortable to make.

White Ranch Park West Trailhead is located at 25373 Belcher Hill Road, Golden. To learn more, visit https://www.jeffco.us/1437/ White-Ranch-Park.