High in the mountains, there are creatures you might only glimpse if you are lucky – they are rare, resilient and unforgettable.

The Hummingbear. Somewhere between the flicker of a hummingbird and the steady power of a brown bear, the Hummingbear brings bursts of joy into the day like a tiny bird hovering over wildflowers, all quick laughter and unexpected sweetness. But beneath that lightness lies the bear. Grounded, strong, and fiercely protective of those she loves. She knows when to play and when to stand her ground, when to soak in sunshine and when to hibernate. To have a Hummingbear in your life is to have both delight and safety wrapped into one rare mountain creature.

The Mountain Goat. Sure-footed and resilient, the Mountain Goat navigates steep cliffs and rugged terrain with grace and determination. Her humor keeps the trail light, her love keeps you steady, and her honesty keeps you grounded. Ambitious and fearless, she climbs higher than most dare to go, always reaching new heights and inspiring those around her to do the same. She reminds you that strength, beauty, and aspiration are intertwined, and that the journey is just as important as the peak.

The Elk. At the heart of the herd, the Elk is warm, generous, and always guiding others to safety. She has a warm way of making any space feel like home, wrapping people in comfort without even trying. Her wisdom runs deep, like a quiet river through the forest, and her laughter rings out like wind in the aspens. She moves through the world with steadiness, carrying the people she loves in the shelter of her presence.

These wild ones are my companions on the rugged trails of life. We have weathered storms and chased sunsets, shared the silence of early mornings and the raucous joy of late nights. Together, they form an ecosystem of love, strength, and joy – each one complimenting the others, each one teaching me something different, each one making the wilderness of life richer and more beautiful. In the mountains of my heart they are not just friends. They are creatures that make the wilderness worth wandering.