Mountain Storm

I had an ominous feeling upon hearing a distant rumbling. The wind ripping through the trees sounded like howling like wolves in the night. A storm was undoubtedly brewing. I scanned the sky; black clouds were rolling like ocean waves, and occasional streaks of lightning flashed in the distance. Last night, when I planned my hike up Big Bear Mountain, the weather girl predicted a storm, but not until late in the evening. I glanced at my watch; it was only four o’clock. Thunder kept growling and lightning scratched the sky. Worry seeped into my bones. This morning, other experienced hikers in the parking lot had warned about a pending storm, but I decided to go on my adventure, anyway. I figured I’d be back long before the storm rolled in. However, I made a mistake; I still had a few miles before I was off the mountain. The wind was whipping, trees were bending, branches were falling. I needed to find shelter, or I would be battered by the storm.

I looked around. The only thing I could see was nature raging. There were no people, there was no sign of shelter. I was all alone in the mountain wilderness as thunder crashed and lightning streaked over my head. I started to run; the wind slapped me in the face with every step I took. Large, icy rain drops swirled, blurred my vision. My eyes burned from the rain washing into my eyes. I stopped, pulled out my handkerchief, and wiped my eyes. As I looked ahead, I saw the mouth of a cave. I ran towards it and ducked inside. The storm continued to rage outside. I felt lucky, like a guiding hand brought me to a place of safety. Then I realized I was safe for now, but I was also trapped. The rain, even heavier, continued to pound down. Looking out, I could see rivulets of mud running outside the cave. I began to worry about a rock and mud slide that might seal the cave.

I wrapped my arms around myself, sat down and leaned against a wall, and tried to stay calm. I knew that I would have to wait out the storm, but I didn't know how long it would last. The wind and rain continued to wail outside. A fearful thought swirled in my head. Would I be found dead?

Closing my eyes, I tried to meditate, think only positive thoughts, and I prayed that I would be warm and safe again with my family and friends. I also thought about the beautiful scenery I had seen, and I promised myself that, if possible, I would come back and hike Big Bear Mountain again. I cuddled myself and thought, I won’t let this scary incident keep me away from these beautiful mountains. I resolved I would not let fear rule my day.

After what felt like hours, the storm finally began to fade. A beam of sunlight entered the cave. I stood up and stretched, then walked to the mouth and looked up. The sun darted from behind slow-moving clouds; the sky was clear in the west, and a rainbow crowned the glistening mountains. I took a deep breath of the rain-fresh air. I smiled, knowing that I had survived the storm.

I began my journey down the mountain, feeling grateful to be alive. I had learned a valuable lesson that day: never underestimate the power of nature and listen to other old hikers who give advice. And not to always believe the weather girl. But I had also learned that even amid a storm, prayer is helpful.

When I reached the bottom of the mountain and made my way back to my car. I was tired, my shoulders and legs throbbed, but I was also proud and happy. I survived the storm, and I believe I am stronger for it.

As I got in my car and drove away, a sense of peace and gratitude came over me. I knew I would never forget my experience in the storm; I was a survivor, and I would keep moving forward.