Wednesday, January 06, 2010

icon on the horizon




Icons.


We all have them. Physical objects that represent higher truths.


Mt. Hood is one of mine.


More than just the tallest mountain in Oregon, it is my icon of home.


Boy Scout camp. Family tubing. Skiing. Partying. For 22 years, it was my playground.


Then the Air Force called. For five years I left Oregon. My visits home were infrequent. But whenever my plane would approach PDX, I first looked for that distinctive almost-dormant volcano to welcome me back.


When I fly home from Manzanillo these days, I do not see Mt Hood. The flight arrives at PDX around midnight. Even the vampire-late sunlight of Oregon summer does not stay bright that late.


On this trip north, my brother drove my mother and me to Bend for Christmas.


I know the route. And the scenery. But seeing Mt. Hood was as thrilling as the first time I saw it.


I am home -- for now.

10 comments:

Calypso said...

See now there's the thing...when I am in Mexico I am home. Telling I think.

Jackie said...

I love flyng into PDX from the east and looking out the window at MT Hood. For many years the view from my office window had a straight shot of MT Hood. I liked seeing the alpine glow at sunset.

Anonymous said...

we saw it last week when we drove to eugene. saw st. helens and rainier as well. what a treat-3 beautiful mountains in one day! that attests to the wonder and beauty of our great northwest.

matt arrived last night and chris ended up staying one more day so the 3 of us, along with their girlfriends, will enjoy a day in seattle today! i'll finish that roll of film so i can send you the you pix from last week. our digital finally showed up as well, so i won't get called a dinosaur any more.

have a great one and enjoy your extra time at home.

teresa

Mike Nickell and Cynthia Johnson said...

I love the mountain too! But my icon is the Golden Pioneer on top of the Capitol. I can always tell where I am in Salem by the Golden Pioneer. We hope you're enjoying your time here - it makes it hard to leave, huh?

Anonymous said...

I´ve always found Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River intriguing.

Andres

Anonymous said...

Steve,

Yes, the mountain is a great iconic symbol of the state. Do you know it is the second-most climbed mountain in the world after Mt. Fuji?

Also, it is the navigational landmark used by alien visitors to this planet 30k years ago. Highly advanced technological sounding equipment was found on the mountain 40 years ago by US Forest Agents who were told to keep quiet by the DoD. It was thought that this sounding equipment came from an alien probe doing early research for the alien visitation.

Very few people know about this. When I climbed Mt. Hood about a decade ago, I looked about for any signs of the equipment, but I think DoD people furtively retrieved it and now have it stored somewhere near McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma.

You will not find any research on this because it is so hush-hush.

A. N. Moose

Anonymous said...

Back in de hood wit yo peeps. Peace be wit you man!

Kim G
Boston, MA

Steve Cotton said...

Calypso -- Try as I may, it is hard not to think of Oregon as home -- until the income tax bill arrives.

Jackie -- In the 70s, I had an office in Salem where I could see Hood, Jefferson, and The Sisters. It was a lousy job with a great view.

Teresa -- This has turned out to be a very interesting visit to Oregon.

Cynthia -- I have never been that fond of the pioneer or the capitol. Looks far too much like a bowling trophy for my taste.

Andres -- I agree with you about the Columbia. But I like viewing it best from the ground.

ANM -- I suspect our lunch at La Margarita may have tipped you over the edge, my good friend. But we all know that The Powers That Be use carbohydrates to control us.

Kim -- But it is almost time to head south. My bones actually look forward to the humidity. I suspect my new computer shares no such delusions.

Kgroener said...

Hi Steve, I miss your blogs. How are things going in Salem? Hope everything is alright. Hope to hear from you soon.

Kgroener said...

Hi Steve, just wondering where you are and how you are doing. It has been too long since we have heard from you. Hope all is well.