The Beast of Blanche
The Beast of Blanche
Story and photos by Aloyious Soranno
For as long as humans have existed, there has been a burning desire to explore the unknown and to conquer great feats. We have sailed every sea, fished every river, dipped our toes in every lake, and hiked every mountain. Yet, the desire still remains. Why do we do it? Why continue to venture when it has already been done? Many reasons of course. For health, for gain and profit, for the sights, because we were coaxed by a loved one. The reasons differ from person to person. Nonetheless, we collectively enjoy the challenges we face on these adventures. Or else we find a new hobby.
White Forest of Blanche
One might not see the beauty or what’s so fantastical about them, but they truly are a wonder to behold. And passing through them is like a gateway to another world. Perhaps that is how it appears traveling up the canyon from the metropolis. And that in itself is a remarkable feeling; to leave behind all the noise and busy day to day and escape to the Peace of the Wilderness. Sanctuary, even if it is for just a brief moment of time. Oh, what it would be like to abandon all things material and societal and run deep into the woods with a few close to heart and start anew. The fantasy we play often while among the trees far from obligations. All it ever is though of course.
The Waterfall
Vibrant with life and strikingly breathtaking yet so small in comparison to others like it. With a steady flow, it brings another joy to mind and peace to the heart. One could just sit up here for hours and get lost in the wonder of wishing to be but a twig in the stream not knowing where the flow was going to go. Instead, cast all doubt and worry into the water and watch it take it all away. Far down and around a bend, out of sight, and be relieved of burden. At least for a while.
Through the Trees
At last, high up the mountains and down past the green is the shimmering and untainted water. Today, a pleasant sight, tomorrow, but a memory. Here one can breathe easy, take it all in, and rest their tired body from the journey. This is, after all, what it is all about no matter the reason for starting. A hiker’s cliché, “worth it.”
The Beast of Blanche
Beyond the city of salt and up the canyon still, through the White Forest, there lives a beast of magnificent design. They appear there in the water twice a day, after the rise and before the setting of the sun. Though beast they may seem to us, they are both gentle in body and mindful of the presence of those who trespass here. The word beast in itself indicates something savage, but on the contrary, far from this they seem; strong, mighty, beautiful and free.
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