Harmony With Nature

Establishing harmony with nature was today's goal as we had no schools or groups to visit on this glorious Saturday in Alaska. John and Palyati lent us their van to take a long ride along the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet to the towns of Portage and Hope on the very scenic Seward Highway.

Along the way we always had the majestic snow covered Chugac Mountain Range in view, and with each new turn was another spectacular scene. We decided to get out of the van and do a little running with the Torch which also became great photo opportunities. Without the pressure of scheduled ceremonies or committments the only harmony we had to share was with the vastness and beauty of nature's splendor here in the magnificent countryside of Alaska.

We took a sidetrip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center on the way to a small village of Hope. The animals seemed very happy in their spacious territories with plenty of room and natural environs in which to live and play. Among the wildlife we saw were black bears, brown bears, bison, reindeer, and moose. In this natural setting, and with the backdrop of snow covered mountains, it was truly a model of living in harmony with nature, man and beast.

We finally made it to the tiny village of Hope which consisted of one dirt road and a few businesses including the Seaview Cafe, where we partook of their wonderful fare. Now we were ready for a long hike and we found a great place nearby called the Gull Rock Trail. Most of the trail was in the middle of a thickly wooded area, but at times we could walk to the edge of the cliffs for some spectacular views along the other side of the Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet.

All this looked like a very small area on the map of Alaska, but in actuality it was a vast expanse of nature, stunning in its development and unparalled in its beauty. To capture this vastness aspect of nature is almost impossible on camera, but we tried to convey at least some of the beauty on the photos we have been able to offer.

After spending a good part of the day in nature and seeing the magnificence and vastness of nature even as we drove, we were able to assimilate a true sense of harmony within ourselves. If it is true that our good qualities come to the fore from within ourselves, then it is also true that nature can inspire and strengthen these qualities as well. Indeed, in Alaska, these qualities can be seen on a large scale, especially in nature.

– Arpan DeAngelo

Distance: 5 miles

Team Members:
Salil Wilson (Australia), Arpan DeAngelo (USA), Palyati Susie Fouse (Alaska, USA), John Fouse (Alaska, USA)

Gallery: See more images!