Almost every one of the last 30 years, two Columbia River Gorge "nobles" have hiked to Devil's Rest for the sole purpose of placing a Halloween pumpkin at the site. This year was not an exception, and I was excited to join them in their annual pilgrimage to this hallowed summit.
A cold day, it was, at 2400 feet - 38 degrees during lunch and wearing almost everything in my backpack - the celebrated pumpkin was placed high on a tree under the Devil's Rest sign. Another Halloween has now been graced by this ritual atop a frequented, landmark hike.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
LIFE SLOWLY RE-EMERGES
Summer, 2009
While hiking on Angel's Rest this summer, it was reminiscent of Costa Rica and the tropical rainforest experience I so enjoyed a good number of years ago, while walking barefoot through the jungle.
A light mist had prevailed in the morning near the summit, and some of the moisture filtered down to the lower areas, releasing a few wet drops onto the trail in front of me. By the time I reached the top, the wetness had disappeared, leaving a wonderfully close, humid environment.
Sitting high in the sky upon one of the basalt pillow-lava columns that overlooks both the east and west river gorge areas from Beacon Rock to Portland, and north to Mt. St. Helens and Silver Star Mountain, one is reminded of the ice-age floods and volcanic flows that shaped this exquisite gorge treasure, and the thousands of years of history during which native civilizations lived along the shores of these captivating waters. Lofty elevations give rise to altered perspectives and reflection that, no doubt, played a part in the Native American 'quest sites' that dot the gorge cliffs.
Returning down the mountain is always a time of 'release' and relaxation from the steady push uphill, allowing the mind to rest in contemplation of the surrounding beauty. A special moment occurred when I stopped and stood very still to experience fully what was happening around me in the humidity.
Steeped in the rising aromatic brew of earth's wildness, wafts of musky-sweet thimble berries passing through my nostrils, it seemed as if I had become part of this environment - part of this ancient tea of life, one with the raw elements of the mountain. There are wonders and mysterious secrets to be sensed - something that beckons and smiles warmly: "come again, and learn more" in this other dimension, this oddly familiar world with wordless thoughts and deep connections. 'Tis the greatest of journeys.
copyrighted 2009 Lorna Hewitt
While hiking on Angel's Rest this summer, it was reminiscent of Costa Rica and the tropical rainforest experience I so enjoyed a good number of years ago, while walking barefoot through the jungle.
A light mist had prevailed in the morning near the summit, and some of the moisture filtered down to the lower areas, releasing a few wet drops onto the trail in front of me. By the time I reached the top, the wetness had disappeared, leaving a wonderfully close, humid environment.
Sitting high in the sky upon one of the basalt pillow-lava columns that overlooks both the east and west river gorge areas from Beacon Rock to Portland, and north to Mt. St. Helens and Silver Star Mountain, one is reminded of the ice-age floods and volcanic flows that shaped this exquisite gorge treasure, and the thousands of years of history during which native civilizations lived along the shores of these captivating waters. Lofty elevations give rise to altered perspectives and reflection that, no doubt, played a part in the Native American 'quest sites' that dot the gorge cliffs.
Returning down the mountain is always a time of 'release' and relaxation from the steady push uphill, allowing the mind to rest in contemplation of the surrounding beauty. A special moment occurred when I stopped and stood very still to experience fully what was happening around me in the humidity.
Steeped in the rising aromatic brew of earth's wildness, wafts of musky-sweet thimble berries passing through my nostrils, it seemed as if I had become part of this environment - part of this ancient tea of life, one with the raw elements of the mountain. There are wonders and mysterious secrets to be sensed - something that beckons and smiles warmly: "come again, and learn more" in this other dimension, this oddly familiar world with wordless thoughts and deep connections. 'Tis the greatest of journeys.
copyrighted 2009 Lorna Hewitt
Monday, September 22, 2008
SHARING OF PICTURES
Since Al's passing over three months ago, creativity of any ilk has been at low ebb and although I've been hiking both with groups and solo to maintain emotional and physical strength, writing is slow in returning. These simple photos are a first entry into continuing the blog.
Photos: Angel's Rest, the Gorge from Nesika Lodge, Mt. Adams from the south side of dry Conboy Lake NWR.
Photos: Angel's Rest, the Gorge from Nesika Lodge, Mt. Adams from the south side of dry Conboy Lake NWR.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
SADDEST OF NEWS
For those who have accessed this blog and followed our hiking journeys, it is with the saddest of hearts that I report the death of my beloved husband and treasured life partner, occurring in June of this year. There are no adequate words to describe this monumental loss and I shall always miss him most dearly.
A Remembrance of Al
The gorge will know him
Sounds of his footsteps will be carried by wind sweeping across high ridges, and
remembered by cool breezes rippling through tops of swaying evergreens.
They will know his name as spirit who came amongst them, and they were one.
Awakening Calypso orchids will look for him along the trails in springtime, and
wildflowers, by all names, will call his.
I have begun hiking again and expect to continue the blog with photographs and commentaries on hiking.
A Remembrance of Al
The gorge will know him
Sounds of his footsteps will be carried by wind sweeping across high ridges, and
remembered by cool breezes rippling through tops of swaying evergreens.
They will know his name as spirit who came amongst them, and they were one.
Awakening Calypso orchids will look for him along the trails in springtime, and
wildflowers, by all names, will call his.
I have begun hiking again and expect to continue the blog with photographs and commentaries on hiking.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
NEW HIKERS EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
Check out our post dated March 14, 2007 for tips on hiking equipment and clothing purchases for beginners.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
ROWENA PLATEAU & TOM MCCALL POINT
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A celebration of spring awaits at the Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Point areas of the eastern Columbia River Gorge. The month of May is prime show time for this yearly extravaganza of wildflowers and mesmerizing vistas. It shouldn't be missed.
For casual strollers, the lower 2.2 round-trip lower trail visits two beautiful ponds, each an independent ecosystem displaying lily pads, puffy cattails, nesting red-winged blackbirds and meadowlarks who fill the air with melodious sounds of rebirth. Each pond is encircled by its own artfully evolved native trees and thick, fragrantly blooming bushes to create miniature oases of serious beauty.
Earlier this week, several varieties of the immensely pungent desert parsley appeared in great profusion. Arrow-leaf balsamroot, that dazzlingly yellow, show-stealing member of the sunflower family, was displaying it's stuff by carpeting the surrounding plateaus and slopes as far as one could see. Just starting to emerge were the luminous purple lupines and, a surprise, fire-engine red paint brushes were clumped together in several areas on the early stretch of the upper trail.
We thought the poison oak seemed rather subdued this year compared to previous years, much to our delight. Although spring is prime time for ticks, we luckily encountered none this year.
The upper trail was steeper than I remembered from last year, but, at least, the length stayed the same at 3.4 miles round trip. Dramatic views of the valley and deep, flower-dotted canyons sloping into the sparkling blue Columbia River were evident with each step. Truly a natural marvel, the gorge is the place to be this spring.
Suggested jumping off point: Traveling from Portland on I-84 east, exit at the town of Moiser (the next town east of Hood River) and take Highway 30 (a bucolic trip in itself) through flower- strewn hills for about 7 miles to the Rowena parking lot and trails. Be sure to take your own lunch, water and snacks, since no tourist facilities mar this wonder of the world.
For casual strollers, the lower 2.2 round-trip lower trail visits two beautiful ponds, each an independent ecosystem displaying lily pads, puffy cattails, nesting red-winged blackbirds and meadowlarks who fill the air with melodious sounds of rebirth. Each pond is encircled by its own artfully evolved native trees and thick, fragrantly blooming bushes to create miniature oases of serious beauty.
Earlier this week, several varieties of the immensely pungent desert parsley appeared in great profusion. Arrow-leaf balsamroot, that dazzlingly yellow, show-stealing member of the sunflower family, was displaying it's stuff by carpeting the surrounding plateaus and slopes as far as one could see. Just starting to emerge were the luminous purple lupines and, a surprise, fire-engine red paint brushes were clumped together in several areas on the early stretch of the upper trail.
We thought the poison oak seemed rather subdued this year compared to previous years, much to our delight. Although spring is prime time for ticks, we luckily encountered none this year.
The upper trail was steeper than I remembered from last year, but, at least, the length stayed the same at 3.4 miles round trip. Dramatic views of the valley and deep, flower-dotted canyons sloping into the sparkling blue Columbia River were evident with each step. Truly a natural marvel, the gorge is the place to be this spring.
Suggested jumping off point: Traveling from Portland on I-84 east, exit at the town of Moiser (the next town east of Hood River) and take Highway 30 (a bucolic trip in itself) through flower- strewn hills for about 7 miles to the Rowena parking lot and trails. Be sure to take your own lunch, water and snacks, since no tourist facilities mar this wonder of the world.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
COYOTE WALL WITH CATHERINE CREEK
Sunday, April 13th, found us ambling up Coyote Wall again, but this time with a Mazama leader who traveled a loop trail, of sorts, from near the Coyote Wall summit into the Catherine Creek labyrinth. Richard Getgen seems to know all the deer and turkey trails that make a great hike even more spectacular.
Not only were the wildflowers more plentiful, but two brilliant streams were encountered. The watery, shushing sounds from one stream filled an entire canyon as we traversed a ridge trail high above, while a chorus of green frogs complemented the air-filled sounds of nature. Oh what a day!
A number of photographers snapped at everything from individual flowers to turkey vultures and a bald eagle, which circled overhead during lunch.
Not only were the wildflowers more plentiful, but two brilliant streams were encountered. The watery, shushing sounds from one stream filled an entire canyon as we traversed a ridge trail high above, while a chorus of green frogs complemented the air-filled sounds of nature. Oh what a day!
A number of photographers snapped at everything from individual flowers to turkey vultures and a bald eagle, which circled overhead during lunch.
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