Hiking Paradise

…a hike in the Oregon mountains…

5A66CE63-00D6-4EFA-83C4-5EF167831000

 
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.

crystal on blue lake
dances in gilding sunlight
crisp breeze stirs old growth

EBD40260-D07E-4A12-8378-D8CFA2CB2CAE

~ ~ ~

rob kistner © 2020

 

NOTE to “Blogger” site owners: I enjoy reading your work, but frustratingly, many “Blogger” sites DO NOT let me post comments? 🙂 So sorry if you don’t see personal comments from me on your “Blogger” site. But I will keep reading your work — and welcoming and responding to your comments here on Image & Verse.

  • Click below for more hiking at dVerse:

    Haibun Monday 8/31/20: Take a Hike!

  • 32 thoughts on “Hiking Paradise”

    1. 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.

      1. 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. 🙂

    2. “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.

    3. “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.

      1. 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.

      1. 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! 🙂

    4. 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!

    5. 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.

      1. 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.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *