The lure is more than scenery, varied vistas and magnificent lookout points; it is the consciousness of being at the threshold of the unknown. – Sigurd Olson, Listening Point
Finding a good view of the landscape in Minnesota is a challenge. So many trees and shrubs block the way. You have to work to see an unencumbered horizon – climb a rock ledge, climb a tree, climb a tower.
Duluth is an exception. Growing up here, I always knew where I was. The skinny, long city is built on the side of a hill on the shores of Lake Superior. You are either looking at the hill or the lake. Even with all the trees, you can tell where you were.
When I moved to the flatland of Minneapolis for college, I lost those landmarks and had a hard time orienting. Finally, in frustration, I took an elevator to the top of the fifty-seven-story IDS building in downtown. From that viewpoint, I could see the horizon and the major landmarks: the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota, the Metrodome, and I finally began to sense the landscape despite all the trees.
Russ and I recently meandered to a place where the views come easy: Denver, Boulder, and the Flat Top Wilderness of Colorado. Walk down any trail and you’ll see mountains, lakes, valleys, ridges. I adore the feeling of looking a long way without any houses dotting the landscape. Sleeping in our little Scamp trailer at 9,000 feet, the only ones in a campground with no water, we were as alone and as much a part of the wilderness as we have ever been.
Although in our homes we have all the modern conveniences and comforts, it’s hard to be truly happy without a connection to nature. In those far horizons, wherever they might be, is a partial answer to the hunger and unrest within us.
To paraphrase Sigurd Olson from Listening Point, “Some find their wilderness in the grandeur of snow-capped peaks and high flowering meadows. To mountain people, this is the primeval on a noble scale, a timelessness and immensity they seem to find nowhere else. They come down from the hills refreshed and ready once more for life among their kind.”
We are back among our kind now, refreshed and ready for whatever life may bring.
Marie's Meanderings 
Living here we look out over a wide valley to the mountains beyond…..gradually, over the years, the number of lights has increased, indicating continuous building, but not enough to ruin it all.
I hope your view remains inspiring!
Well said: “it’s hard to be truly happy without a connection to nature. In those far horizons, wherever they might be, is a partial answer to the hunger and unrest within us.”
Thank you, Neil!
Even if we answer that call only with a house full of plants or a walk in a city park, I think there is something within us all that calls us back to nature. Great post and photos!
Thanks Diana. Your sentiments are so true!
I know how fortunate I am to live where I do with an immense and glorious view. But even so, I am still called to explore new vistas. We found plenty on our recent trip to the Canadian Rockies!
Oooh, can’t wait to hear about your trip!
This is one reason why I live near a small river, yet remain within the city limits of a small town.
Sounds like you picked your spot intentionally. That’s great!
I did, along with listening to my intuition.
We lived on the shores of Superior once—it was always so beautiful.
You did? Cool! Did you live on the Canadian shore?
Yes, in Thunder Bay!
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Very creative blog post! For how long are you travel writing?
Thanks for stopping by! I’ve been traveling writing for decades and blogging since 2013. My blog covers a variety of topics and travel is just one of them, although a major part.
That’s inspirational Marie! We started around the same time with travel writing. I begin actually the 7th of September with a Master Program of Travel Journalism. There will be students from around the world. Maybe a cool opportunity for you to join as well? https://www.skool.com/digital-nomad-academy-6519/about
Thanks, that looks cool. I’ll check it out.
That’s awesome! Please share your email and I’m happy to send you more information. We start the semester on the 7th of September. 🙂