the feeling of victory shut out the discomfort. The trail againdevolved into a snowy and icy stream and water surrounded my sturdy boots but did notlet the it affect me. A little reminder of how women can conqueror nature in a small waywhile never fully returning to man's primitive origins. The familiar sight of pavementmarked our exit from the woods and near end of our expedition. We had been victorious,but were now forced to return to the world we had left. The feeling of accomplishment,resulting from the experiences we underwent and hardships we suffered through, hadchanged us. We walked a little taller, felt prouder, and had a new respect for nature mostespecially since we were a women. Our lives gained more meaning those two days as wewere forced to confront the limits of our humanity, and realize the omnipotence of nature. Like routine, the sun set again and the electric lights man has erected over theroads we've blazed shone in its place. During our withdrawal from excitement,uncertainty, and wilderness I reflected upon what we had achieved. One last time Iadmired in awe the huge steep hills that we had traveled, that we had conquered. Thechallenge had drained life from me-- every muscle in my body was strained and now wasstiff and rigid. It also filled me with an insatiable desire to return-only for longer andfarther. Perhaps it's the solitude and isolation that allows you to reflect upon where we'vecome in life, or placing your survival in the hands of your friends or theirs in yours, butthat short and difficult journey changed me. Upon reflection, I whole-heatedly agree withRobert Frost: I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference. It has made all the difference in the world to me. ...
