One More Snow Capped Peak...

...It's easy to start thinking that, until one of these spectacular mountains suddenly comes into view, and then it is breathtaking.

It's easier for me to start thinking, "one more huge waterfall..." We traveled through the Columbia Gorge today, stopping off to see Bridal Veil Falls and Multnomah Falls. They are both striking, with an easy hike to the foot for a good view all the way to the top, but the multitude of tourists, particularly the swarms of preschool kids shouting and sparring with one another, put me off a bit. I must be getting old....

Mountains have their own sort of solitary grandeur. No matter how many people are swarming about its base, it rises above the fray with a dignity all its own. In the case of Mount Hood, it was hidden in the trees or around a bend in the road, or in the past the weather has been so bad we've driven around it without ever catching a single glimpse through the heavy cloud. Today, driving up the Hood River Valley we rounded a bend in the road, the trees parted and suddenly---there it is. When the weather is good and the stars are correctly aligned and I get a view like this of any of these volcanic mountains in the Cascade Range, it takes my breath away.