One-Eyed Wisdom on Guemes Mountain Trail

 One-Eyed Wisdom on Guemes Mountain Trail

Barred Owl 

An early morning, while hiking the Guemes Mountain trail under a misty canopy of fir trees, I stumbled upon a quiet moment that felt like a secret. Perched on a mossy branch just off the trail, a barred owl was trying, somewhat unsuccessfully, to take a nap. Its feathers fluffed against the chill; one eye tightly shut in defiance of the waking world. The other eye, however, was fixed on me.

We stared at each other for a few long seconds. I remained motionless, careful not to interrupt its calm, yet the owl’s sleepy stare quietly reminded me: “I notice you, hiker. But I have no intention of moving.” 

There is something magical about crossing paths with wildlife when the forest is still waking up. That sleepy barred owl, with its one-eyed watchfulness, reminded me that even in rest, nature is aware. 

I was quietly grateful for the encounter. The mountain held its hush, and the owl resumed its nap. 

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™ -Chris LeBoutillier

2026 Pacific Northwest Calendars
by Chris_LeBoutillier