Bee Behind Bars

After turmoil, the best sign of survival is new life. 

At Pike’s Peak, the elevation reaches a level where the oxygen is so depleted that nothing can grow. Not even micro-organisms! The scene is barren. If you didnt notice, go back through this week’s photos and take a closer look. No life.

On the way back down from the summit, a gradual reintroduction of “green” speckles the side of the road until finally… trees! To find myself in a place where beautiful evergreens and pine trees can survive, grow and thrive was a sign that I had reached my goal. Although the ride was far from finished, the struggle, the hardest part, was over. 

There’s something invigorating about the scent of pine. People use it in their homes for energizing the spirit. I’m sure this has everything to do with where pine trees are located – “up” so high that the air is fresh and crisp. For me, the scent of pine now represents coming down from a place that isn’t survivable, that doesn’t sustain life. It represents new life after struggle.  It means everything is going to be alright.

I’ll always take the time to stop and smell the trees. I hope you will join me.