High On The Mountain

Last month we were blessed to have a visit from a dear, out-of-state cousin.  He stayed for several days and we packed every moment full – but we didn’t have time to do all the things we wanted to do.  One of the things on his list – and a favorite of mine – was a trip up Mount Hood to see historic Timberline Lodge. 
I’ve shared the lodge many times here at different times of the year.  No matter how often I visit the lodge it seems I always find something I haven’t seen before.  That was the case this time.  There were things that had been there before.  Right in front of my nose!  Like this artwork on the main door.I had probably seen this beautiful ironwork handle on the door to the upper terrace before but I had never stopped to pay attention to the details.And I was intrigued with the huge iron hinges on the same door.The view from the terrace beyond this door is amazing.  On a clear day you can see forever – you can see the Cascade Mountains south of Mount Hood and some of the mountain lakes nearby.On the rock wall of the terrace in front of this spot is a plaque that has been there for many years.  President Franklin Roosevelt stood here to give the dedication speech for the opening of the lodge in nineteen thirty seven.The chair President Roosevelt sat in that day is on display inside.The chair is in a room that reflects the decor of the original rooms that were rented by guests many years ago.  The rooms today have been modernized quite a bit but they still have the rustic decor of the old lodge.In a little hallway we found a bench that must have been there every time I’ve walked down that hall.  It’s made from an old wooden hand truck that was used during construction of the lodge.I was amazed to find a gift shop that I didn’t know was in the lodge.  There is one in the ski lodge just below the main lodge but I didn’t have any idea there was another gift shop in the lodge.  The light fixtures caught my attention – they look like an oxen yoke.The view from the third floor is incredible.  I think it’s my favorite spot in the lodge.  The mountain is the focal point – what more could you ask?We went outside and walked on the terrace at the back of the lodge.  A tour group was gathered there so we stood at the back of the group and listened to the tour guide as she shared interesting information about the lodge and the mountain.  I couldn’t stand still very long – I just had to explore the trail that leads up the mountain.  Of course I didn’t go far, but I enjoyed a bit of ‘adventure’ while my family continued to listen to the tour guide. I discovered this sign just a few steps above the terrace – and I realized I was standing on the Pacific Crest Trail that goes through the Cascade Mountains from Mexico to Canada.  A few feet higher up the trail. . .a view of the mountain I had never seen before.  This was new territory for me! Oh, how I would have loved to hike up that trail.  Someday, perhaps. The view behind me. . . Our day on the mountain was wonderful.  I’ll go again.  The mountain calls me.  The seasons bring great change to this special place and I will return whenever I have a chance to go up the mountain.