Jordan loved hiking on weekends, but today he wanted to try a trail that wasn’t on his usual map. A friend had mentioned a shortcut through the woods that could save him time and lead to an even better view at the top of the ridge. Feeling confident after his recent adventures, Jordan decided to give it a try.
The shortcut started off well enough, with a narrow but visible path winding through the trees. As he walked, Jordan noticed small signs that something wasn’t quite right. First, the trail became rockier and overgrown. Then he spotted fresh animal tracks—larger than any he’d seen before. He paused, looking around. The air felt quiet, almost too quiet.
Jordan’s instincts kicked in. “Stay aware,” he told himself. He remembered his dad’s advice: “The wilderness has a way of telling you when something’s off. Pay attention.”
He stopped and carefully scanned his surroundings. The faint rustling of leaves caught his attention. Turning slowly, he saw movement in the distance—a dark shape weaving through the trees. His heart raced as he realized it was a bear, lumbering along the forest floor.
Jordan knew he had to act smart and stay calm. He remembered what he’d read about wildlife safety: avoid sudden movements and make yourself known. He spoke in a steady voice, “Hey there, bear. I’m just passing through.” Slowly, he backed away, keeping his eyes on the bear without making direct contact. The bear sniffed the air but didn’t seem interested in him. After a few tense moments, it wandered off into the forest.
Jordan let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He decided the shortcut wasn’t worth the risk and retraced his steps back to the main trail. As he walked, he reflected on what had happened. If he hadn’t been paying attention, he might have startled the bear, putting both himself and the animal in danger.
When he reached the ridge, Jordan sat down to admire the view, the shortcut forgotten. He pulled out his notebook and wrote, “The forest has its own rules. Situational awareness isn’t just about staying safe—it’s about respecting the wild and knowing when to change course.”
From that day on, Jordan always reminded himself to stay alert and trust his instincts. The wilderness, he realized, could be as unpredictable as it was beautiful.
Jason Campbell
01/08/25
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