Hiking Paradise
~
Filtered by the towering woodland canopy overhead, sunlight drifts down dreamlike to settle radiant, igniting the breathtaking forest cathedral before me. Suddenly, a young doe bounds onto the trail ahead, stands proudly, pausing in the warmth of the rays. She considers me briefly, then disappears as quick as a stolen glance, quiet as passing time.
I dart my eyes here, then there, in a vain attempt to follow. Its then I catch a glimpse of silver-blue, reflecting resplendently, where massive old-growth trunks part — Lost Lake! This is the prize I sought on my hike today into this Cascade wilderness paradise.
I step through the opening, to climb a huge boulder. A deep expanse of chill mountain lake unfurls before me, sparkling cerulean and sterling, in the crisp quickening breeze. I sit, pull my legs under me, and lean forward — enthralled. Elbows on knees, I marvel, mesmerized by the energy and splendor of this natural wonder.
dances in gilding sunlight
crisp breeze stirs old growth
~ ~ ~
rob kistner © 2020
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Beautifully written!
Thank you Lucy… 🙂
Beautiful haibun, Rob. I love the mountains and the beautiful tall trees! The crystal blue lake must have been a magnificent sight!
Thank you Dwight. My health now keeps the deep wilderness from my reach, but I so loved my years exploring the natural wonders of Oregon.
I thought at first you were talking about the “Paradise” side of Mt. Rainier; there are trails heading off north. Can’t remember where Lost Lake is at. Your prose is masterful, and I love it when you and I can share the past when hiking was an option. Again, brother, it’s so good to have you back.
Spent many years hiking Mt. Hood, but never hiked Rainier Glenn — and at this stage of the game, I never will unfortunately. Thanks for your kind words brother. 🙂
“the prize I sought on my hike”
I think we all seek some sort of prize when setting out, or a surprise. You describe a rewarding outing in your haibun.
It’s the reward that justifies the effort D… 🙂
“A deep expanse of chill mountain lake unfurls before me, sparkling cerulean and sterling, in the crisp quickening breeze.”
I too love the mountain lakes of Oregon.
Beautifully shared. Your words brought back many happy memories.
I wasn’t born in Oregon, but when I first saw the amazing place 30 years ago, I felt in my bones that I had come home. Having lived there for a quarter century Ali, Oregon is imprinted on my soul.
poetic imagery took me there, and those photos are stunning Rob!
Thank you Kate. I am most happy that you enjoyed this visit. Thank you for coming and commenting! 🙂
Such a gorgeous place to hike and so well described, Rob! I love forest cathedrals and lost lakes, and the ambiguity of the final line.
So pleased you enjoyed this Kim! 🙂 those magical places deep in the natural world — those are my church, and my wonder at the splendor is my prayer. 🙂
Oh, wow. This sounds amazing. It’s so wonderful to come out of a forest, and a lake gives such space and light.
Glad this touched you Sarah! 🙂
Lovely, every word of this haibun.
Thank you Misky! 🙂
To feel alone in the immensity of nature must be a wonderful feeling.
It is so freeing and uplifting Jane. Fills you with wonder, and just a bit of bittersweetness, when it hits you, like a punch in the gut, that humans, like the cancer we’re becoming to this amazing planet, are slowly laying waste to it — but the feeling is first and foremost one of escape, marvel, and elation! I love being deep deep in the natural world, immersed in nature’s miracles! 🙂
Oh this is so wonderful! Thank you for taking me on this wonderful journey with you! I LOVE your description of the sun filtering through the canopy of trees….that is one of the most magical feelings a hiker can have I think. I recall walking through a birch tree patch with this happening (at Acadia National Park in Maine) some years back and I’ve never forgotten it. You have to hit the timing just right….thank you for bringing back that memory!
And to see the deer and then your description of the lake…just wonderful!
Thank you Lillian, i am pleased this was enjoyable for you. A memory of magical moments enriches ones soul. Thank you for visiting snd reading! 🙂
There’s nothing like those special discoveries along the trail, isn’t there? Thanks for bringing me along!
You are welcome Frank. Thanks for a great prompt! 🙂 The natural world stirs my soul. It’s there one finds miracle and magic!
This sounds like a magical place… what a prize to find… I imagine to bring out a thermos of coffee and sit down to listen.
It would be glorious Bjorn! 🙂
Lush language for what sounds like a lush wilderness. I would love to go there!
Thank you Jedediah! You should if you can. Give yourself a week and spend it traveling down the Oregon Coast. Drive down to Crater Lake, then cut over to the coast to Gold Beach, then travel north along the coast to Cannon Beach. You will never forget it, I guarantee… 🙂 There are four other weeks you can spend on other Oregon “natural exploration“ trips (Columbia Gorge, Mount Hood loop, Central Oregon high desert, Yamhill wine country). All different, all wonderful. There are many more, but if you get those 5 trips in, you will have a core sense of Oregon.
The magnificence of nature never ceases to amaze. Those pictures and your poem walking us through them is pure enjoyment, Rob.
Thank you Lisa, I am pleased you enjoyed this. 🙂
So beautifully written, Rob–and it sounds like such an incredible experience–the doe, the forest, the lake. That photo is stunning!
Thank you Merril. Deep memories that, because of my health, will never be repeated.