Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  

So much sunshine.

So many silky breezes.

So many autumn fragrances.

So many golden leaves crunching under nature lovers’ feet.

Wild Bear’s 18th Annual Enchanted Forest was drenched in perfection. As hundreds of people followed the Mud Lake Trail that led to the homes of various mountain forest residents, one could hear gasps of astonishment, laughter and once in a while squeals of delight. It was beast meeting child; critters saying hello to kids.

It was the annual event that brings flatlanders to the hills to hear wild animals tell their stories in the their own words.

It was a day to learn through seeing, feeling, smelling, hearing and most of all, believing in the wonders of nature.

(Originally published in the October 4, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)