(See this picture bigger here)
As most of my group rushed ahead to the end of the trail to get back to the cars, a few of us hung back to bask in the warm glow of the setting sun over the horizon. We ambled ever-so-slowly, keeping our eyes fixed at the end of the valley that was bathed in the most wonderful light.
I slowed down even more, quickly losing my group and ending up alone on the trail. In my solitude, I had the freedom to climb atop boulders and search for the angle that I would take this shot. Some time later, with my battery nearly dead and my memory card almost full, I found what I was looking for in this particular photograph - sprawled across some rocks, steadying my hands to take a sharp picture.
It was a moment that remains burned into my memory - feelings of wonder and excitement at seeing such an amazing sunset, the anticipation of a hearty dinner well-earned, and a great night's sleep after a day of grueling hiking.
Thus was life in the outdoors, and I loved every minute of it.
