Monte Cristo By Hot Air Balloon
On a brisk October morning our alarm clocks woke us up at 6 a.m. sharp.
In an hour we were ready to lift off for a fun filled hot air balloon
ride to "Monte Cristo." Sonny,
my guide welcomed me aboard for a journey of a lifetime. On my arm, a well packed picnic basket for our pre-planned
valley luncheon. Off in the
distance we caught a glimpse of two hot air balloons similar to ours floating
carelessly in the wind. Sonny
announced; "Monte Cristo in the clearing!"
The picturesque view left us both speechless!
Directly below "Soda The Elk" stood ever so still with his huge
antlers held high in the dense green forest. Next to us blackbirds filled the sky fluttering and squawking
as if we were part of their well-formed convoy.
As we descended lower we were able to see blackberries ripened by the
early morning sun and ready for picking. Honeysuckle
essence filled the air as they grew here in abundance.
Just ahead "Buttermilk The Bear" sat in the mud and grabbed
each blueberry bush with his front claws as he chewed joyously on each fresh and
tasty berry. The mountainside was
lined with huge boulders and a furry little head popped out of the rocks in
curiosity. We named him
"Pickles The Marmot" a cute name for such a curious critter.
Mineral mines were now visible and rock trailings were cascading down
the mountainside. Lightening,
thunder, and hail came upon us without any warning and tossed us about like a
child's kite. Once the storm was
over the air was very still and calm.
Patches of snow blanketed the higher elevations all around us.
"Biscuit The Mountain Goat" trotted in the crystal snow along
the mountain's edge. "Cookie
The Bald Eagle" was collecting straw, grass, and feathers for her nest up
in the tallest evergreen tree. She
certainly was a beauty to watch as she glided effortlessly past us.
The peaceful and tranquil sights from up here were unsurpassed by
anything I've ever seen. We were
high enough now as we would begin our descent down the mountainside and suddenly
noticed "Caviar The Cougar" chasing the local rabbit.
The rabbit was to clever for him and dived head first into the nearest
hole.
Moments later we landed in the most spectacular valley that beckoned for
our utmost attention. Lying in the
lime green meadow was "Champagne The Deer" as if not to notice our
intrusion. All around her wild
flowers glowed with their full spectrum of colors and intensity.
Remnants of snow surrounded us and a creek flowed slowly over the
slippery rocks inviting us to taste the cold, fresh mountain water after a
delicious picnic lunch. It didn't
take long to realize what a breathtakingly beautiful place this really was.
Nightfall was closing in on us and it was time to head back home.
We packed up all our trash from our picnic lunch and soared like
"Cookie The Eagle" into the sunset. Leaving Monte Cristo behind us,
and the vast untouched wilderness below us.
We were one with nature and it's unforgettable beauty!
Copyright
1997 by Author Patti Tricoli
