The definition of wildness actualized. Your stealth, your careful movement, the way your muscles ripple under the tawny coat, you are beautiful.
We watched you move like a shadow across the mountain. Our faces lit up, cheeks and noses red from the cold, smiles wide, we are in awe of you. The community is gathered in celebration and reverence and for a chance to be in your presence.
We take something away from these moments with wild places, wild creatures. Why else would we travel so far, stand in the cold, hike until our knees need replacing? We need it. Some of us can't get enough.
From afar and from up close our ability to connect with nature reminds us of who we are: mammals, predators, prey, coverers of great distances, observant, communal.
Using words is a futile exercise when I attempt to express my experiences here. The artistry of Yellowstone is often like living in a performance piece.
Life is art.
Donning that iconic hat.
Lining up that spotting scope.
Smelling that familiar sulfurous fragrance.
Hearing their howls blow towards me on the wind.
Placing my hand where bear's paw has been.
Living in awe.
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