Our hike around Latemar was humbling. I experienced a profound feeling of smallness while witnessing the view and while braving the weather.

Admiring the view of some friends admiring the view.

I had never seen a view so breathtaking.

Nearing the peak, I could tell my hard work would soon pay off. As soon as I reached it, however, any sense of accomplishment disappeared as total awe took over me. The mountains appeared to extend forever, and I lost myself in the expanse.

Unfortunately, it was clear from the dark clouds that a storm would be hitting us soon. We needed to hurry down.

A storm is approaching!

On our way out, I remember watching a bird flying a couple hundred feet in front of me, unmoving, suspended in the air. It was unable to fly forward because of the strength of the wind. On one hand, I was jealous of the bird’s ability to be seeing the aerial view. On the other, I felt bad that it couldn’t fly. It, like me, was a powerless being against the forces of Earth. 

I hope it felt as free as I think it should’ve. I wonder if it felt small facing the wind and seeing the view like I did. Or is it so used to that that it’s unaffected? Is witnessing the view from above just a part of being a bird? 

The unpleasantly stormy trek down.

I was very aware of my mortality on the way down. It became apparent to me the absolute strength of this weather event when my raincoat was being whipped off my body and my backpack was becoming absolutely soaked (my passport got wet!). The steep angle and slippery rock did not help at all. I felt powerless, and the only thing I could do was keep going.