The Idea of an Essay, Volume 4

Narrative & Memoir 73 A force of nature sits on the western edge of Newfoundland called Gros Morne Mountain. While its name, translated from French, means Lonely Mountain a better translation would be Gross Mountain since, to the casual observer, its looks like a gigantic pile of gravel. All of my past three visits have included a trip up this pile of rocks to its beautiful panoramic view. My last visit in 2015 however, involved several complications such as snow and sunburns along with a special furry surprise. “Woah! Moose!” I exclaimed. My brother and I had just run into a full-grown moose, fifteen feet away! Now, to a normal person, this would be grounds for turning around. Not for us. With our steps, despite our pace, still creating sound in the snow we cautiously walked around it. The moose calmly sat in the snow like a large, furry cow and gave no heed to our presence. Turning around, with the moose still in sight, a majestic view of snow-covered mountains and a scent of snow melting off pine trees hit me. Times like that have defined my experience in Newfoundland. My jeans and boots were soaked to the core and my skin was forming a painful sunburn but those hindrances were part of the experience. My brother and I were far away from any notable civilization with the only other human life being a few hikers. A moose lounged in the snow before us and a gravel mountain lay behind us. All the imperfections like our sunburns and wet feet only acted to make the moment more genuine. In fact, that is what makes Newfoundland special. Newfoundland is raw, beautiful and does not cover its harsh edges. None of my five trips went without wet boots and bitingly cold weather but it is because of those things that I have developed a genuine love for that island in the North Atlantic. -…- As my grandfather staggered up to the boulder, my thoughts were not on my love for Newfoundland, probably the opposite, but it takes those hard times to develop a true relationship. Newfoundland has little to offer. There are no casinos, amusement parks, warm beaches, or large ski resorts. The weather is cold most of the year and the elements are unforgiving. However, instead of those things being a drawback, they have increased my love for the Newfoundland outdoors. Rested, I summoned my determination and continued on my way with the wind, whoosh, driving rain, swoosh, straight into my back. With a glimmer of inspiration, I