by Maksim Naumov
PureTravel Writing Competition 2023.
My most breathtaking travel moment happened during a solo backpacking trip through the rugged landscapes of Norway. It was a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, but one particular day stood out above all the others.
I had been trekking for days, carrying everything I needed on my back, and sleeping in a small tent under the vast Norway sky. The weather had been unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and gusty winds making the journey challenging but also exciting. On this particular morning, I woke up to a bright, clear sky, a sight that was becoming increasingly rare on my trip.
As I set off on my hike for the day, I found myself on a trail that led me to the base of a colossal glacier. Its icy blue peaks glistened in the morning sun, and the sheer magnitude of the glacier was awe-inspiring. I couldn’t help but feel incredibly small in its presence.
I continued hiking, following the trail that wound its way up a steep ridge. The higher I climbed, the more I could see of the glacier and the surrounding landscape. And then, as I reached the summit of the ridge, I was greeted with a sight that literally took my breath away.
Before me stretched a vast, pristine valley flanked by snow-capped peaks. In the valley, a crystal-clear river meandered through fields of wildflowers in shades of purple and yellow. The colors were so beautiful, it was as if the world had been painted with the finest brushstrokes. And there, at the end of the valley, stood a massive turquoise lake, reflecting the towering mountains that surrounded it.
I stood there, alone on that ridge, and felt an overwhelming sense of awe and gratitude. The beauty of the Norway wilderness was beyond anything I had ever imagined.
I spent hours just sitting there, taking it all in—the sights, the sounds, the crisp mountain air. I felt like I was a part of something much larger than myself, a tiny speck in the grandeur of the natural world. It was a moment of profound connection with the Earth and a reminder of how incredible our planet can be.
That day in Norway was a reminder of the beauty and majesty of our planet, and it left me with a deep appreciation for the power of travel to inspire and transform.
Photo by Meera Parat on Unsplash
