To be young and uninhibited.
Alena and Jed had both recently turned twenty-two. While they had jobs, neither thought of their current employment as a career. Therefore, they convinced themselves it was more important at the moment to spend some time living life than earning a living.
They left their jobs, loaded Jed's old minivan and set out to tour the country. The road trip involved camping, hiking, biking and living cheaply. Seeing the back roads and the natural and manmade highlights of the country was educational and eye-opening.
Sharing the intimate confines of the van and their tent was equally exhilarating and educational. Their youthful trysts were vigorous, creative and satisfying. While it didn't generate a deep and lasting love, the loving created a warm and relaxing bond.
Six weeks into the adventure, the couple reached Yellowstone National Park in early September. The Crown Jewel of America's National Park System is a magical mix of geysers, waterfalls, pristine rivers, thermal hot pots, rolling meadows and primeval forests.
Wolves, elk, antelope, coyotes and other wildlife call the park home. But, the most impressive residents are the large herds of roaming bison. The powerful animals are massive, hairy and wild. Majestic. If someone crosses the country and doesn't make a point to see these magnificent beasts, they should have their citizenship revoked.
After several days hiking, seeing Old Faithful and the other impressive sights, the couple stopped in Hayden Valley. The valley is an expansive and largely treeless meadow sprawling along the Yellowstone River. The open vistas provide views of the ancient caldera and the endless western sky.
While the nights had the cool bite of Fall, and even a hint of Winter, the bright sun at this elevation made for a warm afternoon. Alena had stripped off her fleece jacket and wore old cut-off denims, a thin white blouse and running shoes with pink tasseled anklet socks. The shirt was tight across her chest and the jeans were short, threadbare and comfortable. Jed wore baggy, tan cargo shorts, a pro football jersey and river sandals.
Post Labor Day traffic was light, but there was a scattering of other cars in the parking lot of the roadside viewpoint. The pair relaxed in the van with cool drinks and a light snack of fruit and cheese. Hundreds of buffalos roamed across the rolling grasslands.
A light breeze ruffled the yellow-green grass. The wind also carried the sounds of the herd: low guttural growling; the stomp of heavy paws on hard packed ground; the dust-stirring scratch of the huge beasts wallowing in large dirt pits. The sound rolled and resonated across the long grass prairie. Oblivious to the tourists, a number of the animals moved slowly toward the parking lot while munching the grass.
Fall is mating time for bison and signs were obvious. There were displays of aggression as males tried to demonstrate dominance and attract mates. There was some head butting and jabbing with horns. Much persistent pursuit of females. A thick air of sexual tension hung over the herd.
While the couple watched, one of the grand beasts reared up on his hind legs and mounted another. With his massive weight leveraged and his front legs pinning his partner, the bull started humping furiously. Some of the tourists, particularly those with children, turned away and left. Jed and Alena were riveted by the pheromone-driven and timeless cycle. They laughed and made snide remarks, but were riveted by the carnal display.
The coupling was contagious, or just what buffaloes did during rutting season, as others followed suit over the next several minutes. Set against the captivatingly beautiful landscape, the animals seemed especially natural and wild. The usually slow moving goliaths moved quickly in their single-minded chase of a cow to separate her from the herd and to stave off competing males. A driving urgency was apparent. Huge dark heads were shaking. There was sniffing and huffing. Pure sexual desire. Not a bit of subtlety. A hot lecherous fire burned in the large brown eyes.
Without realizing it, Jed and Alena were drawn in on more than an observer level. They watched with breath slowing and a subconscious warmth growing.
Alena reached out and placed a hand on Jed's leg. They eyed each other. He leaned forward for a long breathy kiss on her delicate and creamy neck. They pawed playfully at each other as they continued to watch the creatures copulate.
They were both aroused and became flushed. Their bodies generated heat and the sun stoked their passion. Just liked the animals in the meadow, Alena coyly resisted. Selective. Rolled to the side. He pursued. She pushed him off and climbed over the seat into the back of the van. He laughed and followed in a flash. Instead of lying on the mattress, they remained seated so they could continue to watch the herd outside. Jed pursued Alena with increased vigor. She responded in kind.
