Photo: Una tarde de inspiracion en playa la Ropa. This mexican boy never knew I took his photo. I was drawn to this scene, as though I was taking a picture of myself when I was about 12 years old.
"We are all children in the beginning," explained Maripossa, "and some memories are worth revisiting." (Roots of Laughter, 0304, 2010)
White Oak
Photo: White Oak reaching for the sun on a ridge overlooking Major Canyon. New leaves are budding on every branch in anticipation of the coming spring.
"There's a BIG celebration coming," said the Major. "Be sure you're dressed appropriately!" (When the Sun Never Sets, 0205, 2010)
Timberline
Photo: New snow starting at about 4,500 ele. just below Timberline Lodge. I travelled back in time today - 159 years, following the original wagon train route (1850) down a portion of the Barlow Trail (part of the Oregon Trail). The pioneers say the "chute" at Laurel Hill was the toughest passage on the entire route! I returned on the now abandoned Mt Hood Loop Highway (1925), a fascinating trek across 100's of fallen trees and memories I'm far to young to have. "At first it was just an Indian trail," explained the old man. "That's when we had grizzlies and moose in the land. Sometimes I wonder whether of not we made a big mistake." (Evolution of a Snowplow, 0118, 2010)
Blast Zone
Photo: We are in the "Tree Removal Zone" of the intial blast from Mt St Helens. These mammoth trees were literally seared off (like a saw) by a laterally directed cloud-like flow of very hot volcanic gases, ash, and pumice. Old rock, pulverized by the explosion, travelled near the ground. How fast? It initially started at 220 mph, but quickly accelerated to 670 mph and may have briefly passed the sound barrier! The result: 230 square miles of forest were cut down in about 60 seconds.
"There is only one way to survive an explosion like this," said Whittier. (Life After Death, 1230, 2009)
Winter
Photo: Willows in winter at Salish Pond.
"Life has winter seasons," reflected Salish. "No leaves, no flowers, just naked branches with a little ice. You can really get to know yourself." (True Colors, 1219, 2009)
The Moon
Photo: A nearly full moon hung over Mt Hood last night (11/30/09), as Karis and I took snowshoes through the forest to Trillium Lake. We stayed for a colorful sunset, then walked back under the moon's light (and a handy little Petzl headlamp). Check out the craters on the moon's southern end.
"The lesser light is made beautiful by the Greater Light," explained Trillium, "but do not overlook the battle scars! This diamond in the sky has been pounded by wayward debris." (Fiery Darts, 1130, 2009)
The Setting Moon
"The lesser light sets," said the Wizard, "an event you would not see if not for the rise of the Greater Light." (Moonshine, 119; 2009)
