There was a chill in the air on the empty beach. The waves crashed against the rocks, and the salty sea breeze blew in my face. The beach was covered with rocks worn smooth by the waves, and here and there were larger, rougher rocks. Seagulls perched on the biggest rocks, squawking as they settled down to rest. The waves crashed in, and slurped out. Fog could be seen in the distance. The tide began to come in, washing over the toes of my shoes, so I climbed the steep, rocky slope to the forest.

     The scents and sounds changed at the top. The forest was mostly pines, with a few tall trees, which were showing the browns, yellows, reds, and oranges of autumn. Leaves which had fallen littered the ground. The squawks of seagulls shifted to the chirping of unseen forest birds in the trees. Instead of the salty smell of the sea, there was the scent of pine. I saw a dirt path, and followed it.

     Fallen leaves crunched under my feet as I walked the path. I crossed over small streams of gurgling water. A brisk breeze blew by, and I took in a deep breath of fresh air. The branches of the taller trees, some of which were as tall as skyscrapers, were blown around by the wind, and theirleaves rustled. The sky was cloudy, creating a dim light, but it was not raining. I walked the path up the mountain.

     The world grew mistier as I ascended the mountain. The air grew colder still. Fewer birds chirped, and most of the chirping now was echoes from below. The climb grew steeper. Soon, I reached the top of the mountain.

     At the peak of the mountain, there was a heavenly view. From the top, I beheld many other mountains, all misty, mysterious, and swathed in clouds. To the west, I saw the forest I had walked through and the rocky beach. The top of the mountain was windy, yet it was at the same time silent and serene.