Describe a moment and analyze: “Write about a single experience or moment, and ask: how does this moment, experience, or encounter relate to my essential question?”

• You can also compare it with learning experiences you have had elsewhere, whether in or out of a classroom, at LREI or elsewhere.

Post to the blog in advance of your cohort meeting.#

• Angels landing hike 
• Broken chain
• Erosion around
• No fear
• When you put too much pressure on something that is already eroding, it breaks 

I was in Zion, Utah and went on a hike on my first day truly out of the city called Angels Landing. The first part of the hike is packed with people including the huge group I was with. It was beautiful, energetic and gave me a total jolt of happiness to be hiking again. The main part of the hike that I was looking forward to is the last mile which is a straight shot up a thing cliff with a metal chain to hang onto. I led my group up trying to be a fearless leader clinging to the hot metal and taking a careful step forward. Halfway through we heard a park ranger calling after us. Part of the chain had broken and we had to single file back down in order to stay on the actual mountain. I was the last one to move. I wasn’t scared or anxious because I was looking out at the landscape Angels Landing is known for. The shades of orange, red and brown switching carefully and powerfully on each rock show every bit of erosion the wind was taking away. I knew why the chain broke now. The fragile state that these mountains are in is nothing like we would expect and the 10 of us pulling our weight against it cause it the break ever so slightly. I didn’t have the safety to whip out my notebook and write so instead I reflected. Quarantine has been eroding my mind. The pressure we put on ourselves during this time can cause what we hold onto for stability to break and let go. Something so strong and beautiful can whither away with the right storm just like the mountains of Utah. The creative process is a fragile state for writers. The want to write is part of it but having the pure intrigue and passion in your mind is what makes you proud of the things you write. I hadn’t had passion back in the city. For some reason clinging onto that chain in one of the most vulnerable spots, I could be in I felt the intrigue to write. It took one day and being on top of everything I missed so much to bring it back. Nature makes you realize the dangers and fragile parts of life while surrounding it with beauty. It’s beautiful to be creative and vulnerable and makes writing worth the hike.