Mount Shasta, CA

Mount Shasta is another gorgeous mountain!  When I arrived, it was blanketed in clouds and snow. I took a few photos knowing I had to wait and capture a better one. I pulled over at a scenic area and silently waited for the clouds to lift. I waited....and waited...and spent some time dwelling on the past weeks as I drove from one state to another exploring everything I could.

It had been such a grand adventure full of lessons that would impact me in ways I never imagined. I listened to the radio, and I waited. I took more photos, but the snow and clouds were still in the way. I drove further down the road and waited some more, and as the sun shone brighter on the mountain top, I realized the full impact of this trip - of all I had seen. I rested my chin on the car window and let the breeze hit my face as I looked up at the mountain smiling at the memories created in the past 14 days. I smiled almost constantly on this trip.

Good things come to those who wait. Finally, I got the best photo possible on that day.
(click on photos to enlarge)

http://mtshastachamber.com/index.php

Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake is stunning!  The drive through the farm country, and then the winding road to the top is gorgeous and with snow piled higher than I've ever seen. All roads except one were closed. Upon arriving at the top, I was surprised to see the impressive beauty of the lake with its rich, blue color of water surrounded by the dark, textured rocks and cliffs, and the smooth-as-glass water surface reflecting it like a mirror. With clouds hanging low across the water in some areas, snow falling, and the vastness of the lake, it was impossible to get a good photo of the entire lake. I tried. One slip on the snow and I'd be plummeting down into the crater - not an activity I wanted to participate in. The snow silently fell all around as we watched with awe. This is one of God's finest creations. (click on photos to enlarge)

http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Day 15: Oregon Farms

Not many know this, but from age three until about five and a half, I lived on a farm in Sweet Home, Oregon. We had a cow, calf, horse, goat, chicken,s and a rabbit all housed in our own barn. We also had a pond with plenty of fish, huge frogs, surrounded by a massive garden, fruit trees, rolling hills, and blackberry bushes scattered among acres of green land.

I still hold fond memories of my time in Oregon and of farms in general. I guess it symbolizes simpler times, wholesome food, and a certain innocence. I also love farms for their perfect symmetry and lines within the crops and fences. An old weathered barn contains years of stories and character which represent hard work and dedication to a demanding life. Oregon has some beautiful farms.

(click on photos to enlarge)