Low temperatures, little to no precipitation, piercing winds, low-lying vegetation, poorly developed soils, drastically changing weather, and an elevation over 11,000 feet all constitute conditions of a Colorado alpine tundra. The thing about such biomes is that they are very delicate ecosystems. In Colorado, they cover only about 3% of our landscape.

As I glimpsed at the snow falling, I found myself craving the company of solitude. If nothing else for the mere chance of finding clarity. But where would I find that during a snowstorm? There was only one solution. To go as high as I possibly could without compromising my comfort and safety.

I bundled up and packed the bare necessities. It didn’t take long to locate my destination. It helps when you already live more than 9,000 feet above sea level. A bit of anxiety settled in as the wind and snow intensified, but I had already made the trek. There was no turning back.

My mistake was breaking one of my own adventure rules. I failed to let someone know where I would be. I guess that was part of my escape that day. I didn’t even want one person to know where to find me. Nonetheless, I should know better. Luckily, it all went without incident. Mostly.

I realized I was not as prepared as I thought when I slipped on ice a few times. I found myself laughing at the irony. I’ve also been misplacing my feet in the recent challenges of life, and this was no exception. The difference was I was enjoying the struggle of my winter climb more than the ones waiting for me when I returned.

I needed to complete my hike even if I died while trying. In some metaphorical sense, though defeated and depleted, this is how I was feeling about my existence in general. I had to be where the trees cease to grow and new life is found. I have never heard silence like I did that day. The wind, the falling snow, and humans all ceased to exist by the time I made it to the top. I have no concept of what heaven would be like, but if I did, that would be it.

I made my way back to the confines of four falls. There, I contemplated the meaning of my journey. I concluded that every decision I make will be as intentional as every step I took on the mountain, and should I ever question my abilities and skills, I will reflect on the day I made it to the land above the trees.

To learn more about Colorado’s alpine tundra visit: https://www.nps.gov/romo/ learn/nature/alpine_ tundra_ ecosystem. htm.