After a windy evening of talking to the stars, I started the next day rising early and searching for signs. As I packed my hiking bag with the usual necessities, I decided that I would spend the majority of my day hiking Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

On the road, I stumbled upon a momma moose and her calf. Their size never ceases to amaze me. Wildlife reminds me of a magical world. Something that I am merely and distantly a small part of.

I pulled up to the ranger station and showed my annual pass. I confirmed directions to Cub Lake and off I went. Upon approaching the trail’s parking lot, I couldn’t help but feel an immediate sense of disappointment.

I didn’t mind the wind or the chill in the air, but there were already tons of cars scattered everywhere. I was craving a degree of peace that didn’t involve humans. I needed to rejuvenate with the elements that can only be felt when you’re alone with the wilderness.

I did manage to find serenity at the sight of a herd of elk running across the meadow. The bull was bugling, the cows trusting his every move, and the background provided me with a picture-perfect moment. And for that one moment, the elk was all that mattered.

Following a series of photos, I decided that Cub Lake was not the hike I wanted to experience. I got in the truck and turned on Bear Lake Road, where I knew not what my plan was. Then, the trail sign to Bierstadt Lake jumped out at me as I passed it. I can’t explain how or why, but I knew this is where I was supposed to be.

I turned around, parked, grabbed my bag, locked the truck, and battled the fierce winds as I hiked the first two miles. I’m sure if I hadn’t had my almost 30-pound backpack, the wind would have blown me off the mountain. I pushed through until I reached the alpine forest.

Finally, I was protected from the wind. Another half mile and there it was. At 9,466 feet, the lake danced with the semi-violent wind, which made it almost shimmer. With a numbed face and fingers, I took photos of the lake. The views of the Continental Divide were captivating.

Returning to the parking lot was another opportunity to come face-to-face with the power of wind gusts. I did so with the plan that I would reflect on what things meant that day. I guess you can say that, to a degree, I do believe some things can be written in the stars but can also be written with the wind.

For more information on Bierstadt Lake visit: http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails.com/ bierstadt-lake.htm