Cloudland is our homage to the experience of a summer rainstorm, and the intimacy of human touch.As we arrived at Cloudland Canyon, we had a sense our hike was doomed before it began. Perhaps it was the wild optimism of a new love that led us to ignore the gathering clouds and leave the safety of our car for the trail ahead.Our hike had only just begun when we noticed the clouds roll in thick, heavy, and low. We paused at the overlooks to admire their ominous beauty. Neither of us wanted to be the one to suggest we turn around to call a halt to our shared exploration. And then it happened.We heard it first, the sound of a furious downpour lashing the summer leaves in the distance. A moment later, we could smell the rain approaching—the sharp, electric scent like no other.We started to run, but quickly realized our folly. Within seconds our clothes were soaked. We were two miles from the trailhead, and we couldn't get any wetter. So, we stopped. We laughed. There was no sense in planning what would come next. Eventually, we would get back to our warm and dry home. But, until the rain slowed, all we had was this moment. We embraced, and took it all in—the roar of the storm in our ears, the pounding of our hearts, and the scent of one another's drenched skin intermingled with the smell of rain and wet forest floor. There was no trail to follow, nor time to keep. It was only the two of us and the storm enveloping us. The hike was ruined, and the moment was perfect.
