Beautiful things

On the road to Seattle last week I saw one of my favorite northwest landscapes and quickly remembered why I love the freedom that comes with travel. You escape the “normal” beauty that surrounds you on a daily basis and get a chance to open your eyes to new surroundings. Somehow upon the return to the familiar your eyes remain open and the normal is once again captivating. A few examples…

A stormy, slate blue sky retreating to allow the sunshine through. In the process shadows are cast over green pastures making them brighter than you could possibly imagine.

Looking out over the Columbia River Gorge on an overcast, rainy day with minimal view only to turn around and see the granite wall behind you funneling a small stream of water across the lichen then dripping slowly from the plush moss at the bottom.

The Portland and Seattle skylines mocking the Cascade Mountain range. Beautiful and striking but only visible once you round the bend of the highway. Watch at dawn or dusk as the light reflects off the water making each street an alley of stark contrast, showing off the disparities between new glass and old brick designs.

The cascade mountains themselves, disjointed and independent, making an eerie, mirage-like image on the horizon. Each making a bold statement to geological strength and power, while blending in to the soft blue of the horizon and easing the soul into a more peaceful state.


The trees. All greener from the plentiful rains abundant not just in the parks but littering the sidewalks, 3 to a block.

And to think…I’ve barely escaped my back yard. Let the road trip begin!