This is one of the most difficult questions I could think of answering but, luckily this past year my life was graced with many such interactions with nature. Last April, while traveling in Southern China, my best friend and I took trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge which hugs the West side of The Jade Dragon Mountains. This gorge is one of the highest in the world and holds a very special place in the hearts of the Chinese; as the name suggests there is a jutting plateau from the west side of the gorge out over part of the river where the tiger leaped across to the other side. The hike begins at the southern opening where the river merges with another but, the quickly rising trail takes you higher and higher above the rushing rapids, too dangerous for kayaking.
We climbed at such a rate that we could note the change in vegetation and soil color every few minutes. Once making it through the treacherous 28 Bends, a test of will and physical ability you discover THE ledge from where the tiger made its infamous leap. Slowly stepping out onto the ledge the stories of hikers who have died here recently quickly enter your mind but, the majesty of the surroundings calls you further. The longest river in China rushing at a steep and immediate 4000m below. The two of us sat in silence, our thoughts connected through the awe we were both feeling, the convergence of mountain, river, man and heavens was undeniable. No one would want to deny such a intertwining of souls.