I went for a little ride with Stephen and Sophie today. We ended up over near Willard Peak again, where Ryan and I had been a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful fall day, The colors have begun to turn and it was Saturday. It kind of reminded me of a time many years ago when I sought solitude at the summit of Midnight Mountain as I had done on many occasions before. I had found a quiet spot sheltered from the cool mountain breeze and sat down to read from the good book. I felt touched by the Spirit and rejoiced in being on the mountain top where I could spend a few hours alone getting pondering the things of eternity. After about a half hour I heard this unfamiliar roar from somewhere down below. Shortly, I spotted two four wheelers coming up the mountain, more or less blazing their own trail. My heart sank. My quiet sanctuary on the mountain top had been discovered by a new breed of outdoor enthusiast, those who ride their noisy machines into the solitude, disrupting the quiet, the birds singing in the trees and the deer browsing in the meadow below. So it was today, as we visited the Willard Peak area. Dozens of people were at the ridge near the summit, having made the journey the easy way, by dirt bike, OTV's and several types, four wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. I must admit Stephen, Sophie and I had arrived in Stephen's Jeep. It did save us lots of time and energy. I fact I was even grateful to see the many people, some older and out of shape, there enjoying the magnificent views and hoping to see some of the mountain goats that call the area around Willard and Ben Lommod Peak home. Nonetheless, I couldn't help but reflect on a time when solitude was easier to find and when one could find a quiet place to sit and ponder the things that matter most, undisturbed by man. I am grateful to have had both types of experiences and to be able to share them with others who rejoice in the outdoors and the beauties of the earth, and who recognize the Source of all these wonders.
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