Nature Journal 2: Experiencing Nature Like Abbey

After being cooped up at home all weekend, I went for a walk along the Trinity to experience the great outdoors. I observed mallard and teal ducks frolicking in the river, vibrant red cardinals contrasting against the blinding snow, and wild tansy mustard plants sprouting through the frozen ground. I heard birds chirping and the crunch of snow with each step, but I only passed a few people and cars throughout my walk. Serenity enveloped my experience as I noticed the stillness of nature surrounding me, unaccompanied by bustling city noises or the loud gossiping of fellow walkers. This draws a clear parallel to Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire. In the first chapter, he describes a sense of tranquility associated with solitude in nature. His isolated, minimalistic quarters allow him to meaningfully connect with nature, highlighting the unnecessary consumerism common in society. He finds further peace when the dreary morning air disappears as the sun rises, illuminating the vibrant landscape of arches around him. A nature retreat is a great avenue to reflect on life, but it doesn’t need to be for an extensive period or in complete isolation. While I wasn’t miles from civilization as Abbey was, I connected similarly with the nature surrounding me. My hyperawareness of wildlife, wind, land, and water allowed me to consciously experience and admire nature with all five senses. Because I encountered only a few people along my journey, I reflected on mankind’s relationship with the earth. We bowed to Mother Nature this weekend despite all of our technological advancements. Earth has stronger forces at work than what we can handle, emphasizing the dominant power within our relationship with nature. Mankind cannot overcome the environmental conditions created by nature, so we’ve adapted methods to live in harmony. However, we negatively influence nature in other ways through pollution, habitat destruction, resource exploitation, and others. We must find a balance with Mother Nature if we hope to live peacefully.


There are ducks in the water to the left of the snow.
It is difficult to distinguish, but I believe this is a wild mustard plant.

Comments

  1. williams.dan76February 3, 2026 at 8:25 AM

    My PlantSnap app failed to identify a wild mustard plant, though it did identify the fallen leaves as oak. Great response and reflection! I am glad that you connected your experiences with Abbey's in the Utah desert. The less we are encumbered with the objects and issues of our daily urban lives, the more we can appreciate Abbey's belief that emptiness and silence can be both meaningful and fulfilling. At times, nature makes us consider who we are when we are alone and silent.

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