I walked into the little shop A layer of dust coated the door Earthen faces peered from laden shelves Dusty footprints on the floor
The bearded man sat on his stool In front of the potter’s wheel That spun as his boot rose and fell As he formed the clay with skill
He lovingly stroked the earthen dough In his hands gentle and strong He shaped a unique work of art As the wheel hummed its song
He dampened his fingers to smooth the edge Then pushed back his stool to stand The wheel stood still as he lifted the bowl – The work of the Master’s Hand
The Pacific Northwest is a place where enchanted lush rain forests carpeted with wild ferns and moss draped evergreens meet the rugged shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. Jagged pinnacles rise from the ocean floor along the rocky beaches. Weathered sea stacks stand against the crashing waves and winds of time.
A scenic highway weaves through this magical world. Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent, Lake Quinault, trails and scenic drives await the traveler seeking beauty and adventure. The road leads to Neah Bay where you find the furthest northwest point in the contiguous United States. A short hike through the forest winds down trails and weathered boardwalks. Three platforms offer views of Cape Flattery. Birds nest on ledges of the sheer cliffs that drop into the pounding surf. Sea caves gurgle and echo haunting utterances from the bowels of the earth. Looking across the bay, a lonely lighthouse stands as a beacon on Tatoosh Island.
The sound of the crashing waves as they rise and fall is mesmerizing. The stark contrast of the jade tidal waters, rocks, trees and sea is like none I have ever seen. This place is captivating. A surreal peace is present here at the tip of the world. If I chose one word as description it would be “sacred.” Surely this is a Cathedral of God.
I stood at the edge of the world where land meets the sea I looked over open waters and breathed in this majesty
Waters crashed against the cliffs bathing the rocks with waves they sang a slow mournful song as they echoed from the caves
Limbs of green reached out their arms a light showed the way ancient forests carpeted the path bidding me to stay
I sighed a sigh of deep content in the magical world apart I embraced the moments left to me and gave away my heart
I still stand in wide-eyed wonder forever this place will be a timeless solace to my soul ever etched in memory. 2014
On the other side of the mountain from the valley far below I walked through alpine meadows to peaks topped with snow
Cloud enshrouded the ridges then I stepped above the heights the veil lifted from the valleys to reveal its hidden sights
What a glorious scene to behold treasures delved from the deep pearls of sparkling glacial lakes teal waters cold and deep
Along steep mountain slopes through virgin snowy banks streams plunged to depths below joining waters in the ranks
Watching the valley below from his regal sacred shrine a silent sentry stood guard atop the earth’s rocky spine
Once again the curtain fell as I walked the rocky path pelting rain and icy snow was unleashed in all its wrath
The night was dark and cold fires doused from watery skies unrestful sleep on stony ground under ever watchful eyes
Morning brought a new dawn though the sun refused to shine I marveled at the wondrous day along the trail in mountain pine
Could anything dampen my spirits in this land so far apart or quench the passion burning within – in the mountains of my heart
Across flowing streams and river rocks over shale slopes and grassy knolls soft wind teased the grass wild flowers bared their souls
The rough-hewn logs beckoned me within the cabin walls fire burning amid the stones as the chill softly falls
Water drawn from the spring warming on wood burning stove the sun shining on the earth double rainbow in the cove
The table spread with tasty fare as the others enter the gate greeted to warmth and food a weary wanderer’s fate
My soul sighs with deep content drawn to those skies of blue already a longing tugs at my heart as the mountains fade from view
I know one day I will return to this land of mountains and streams until then I’ll live on memories and rest there in my dreams
2014
inspired by 1974 backpacking trip from the other side of the mountains
note: The first night’s camp was near Hindu Lake. There were two rock formations that looked like two Hindus at the top of the ridge standing guard over the valley.
