A Plunge down a winter mountainside above a darkening valley. An innocent walk in the woods. An afternoon amble over grassy hills. A kayak trip through a hurricane. In this eloquent collection of original essays, award-winning writers from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia describe a personal encounter with the natural world that moved them, led to a new level of understanding or awareness, or was in some way of importance to them. The essays include childhood memories; startling or magical encounters with wild creatures; moments of grief, loss, or hubris; and even one fantasy. By turns lyrical, humorous, spiritual, irreverent, and terrifying, each one presents a singular experience of enlightenment, awe, passion, outrage, sadness, or exhilaration. All are beautifully written and deeply felt, and all are testimonies to the transformative power of nature.

Book jacket.