Just as New York City is the City for me, Mt. Rainier is the Mountain. Actually, if you happen to live in the greater Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area, or really anywhere in the southern half of Western Washington, this is what you call it too. It’s such a prominent feature on the horizon that people say things like, “The Mountain is out today.” This roughly translates to “There’s a big a** mountain out there that we can actually see today since it’s not raining or overcast. Yippee!”
Also, just like NYC, the Mountain and I have a relationship. It began many, many years ago, before I even lived in the state. I’m happy to report that it is still going strong over two decades in. I will admit that, much like with any romance, I live in constant fear that each visit to its resplendent setting will be my last. Not because I will lose interest or suddenly find it to be less exciting or attractive than before, but because it’s an active volcano.
We all know what happened to its sister, Mt. St. Helens, in 1980. Kaboom! By all accounts, it was an even more extraordinary and beautiful place than Rainier. Considering Mt. Rainier’s extensive gifts, I can’t imagine how that’s possible, but that’s what they say. I’ll have to take their word for it since my first visit to St. Helens was in 1994 after it had been converted to an ashy, barren moonscape. Anyway, I worry that my mountain love will follow the same path. Unfortunately, this isn’t me simply being a prophet of doom; this is actual science, people. If you don’t believe me, check it out on the list of Decade Volcanoes.
Mr. C and I are lucky enough to daytrip to Mt. Rainier National Park with my parents. They love it as much as we do. And we couldn’t have picked a more perfect day. Even up at Paradise it’s in the mid 70’s. On our way up The Mountain we have to stop a few times for some road construction and, sadly, my favorite roadside viewpoint is closed because of it. Oh well, onward and upward.
We make it to Narada Falls and it’s time for Mr. C to be reminded of its personal significance to him. We head down the hill to stand in front of the falls and I show him the exact spot where his dad and I got married 21 years ago. While the location hasn’t changed a bit, I’m sorry to say that I have felt the passing of every one of those 21 years. How did I ever manage to walk back up that steep trail in my white dress and heels?
As we drive into the parking lot of the Paradise Inn, which is our jumping off point for another little hike that we love, we discover that a very special ceremony has just begun. And, we’re invited! For only the second time in the history of the park, there is a Naturalization Ceremony taking place. Fourteen people. Ten different countries. The Mountain rising up beside them as the ultimate witness.
Their birth countries are announced and each participant stands up knowing that, when they next sit down, they will be Americans. With all fourteen standing, they raise their right hands and take the oath. We actually get to see them become Americans! The newest Americans. Afterwards, complete strangers, including my parents, shake their hands and offer congratulations. It’s beautiful. Before this, the only newly-minted American I’d ever seen was just-born Mr. C. Let me assure you, at that particular moment, I was a little preoccupied. His citizenship status was not really on my list of considerations.
Mr. C and I hit the trail toward Myrtle Falls. It’s short, only a half-mile there and a half-mile back. The alpine meadows are gorgeous with pinks, purples and whites popping up in little pockets of color scattered throughout the mass of green. We’re at roughly 5,400 feet above sea level and the trail is steep in some places. I’m relieved to discover that I’m not the only person breathing heavily as we ascend.
The waterfall with The Mountain behind it is just as breathtaking as I remember. Wow. Just in case you’re wondering, I didn’t adjust anything on my photos except the size of the files. No color, no light, no contrast. What you see is what you get. This is Mt. Rainier on one of the many glory days of summer. Spectacular.
Our day ends with ice cream on the porch of the National Park Inn at Longmire. Like most places in the park it has a gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier. While we still have a two-hour drive ahead, I see people next to us, glasses of wine in hand, relaxing after a perfect day in a perfect place. Hmm, this is definitely something to keep in mind for my next visit to The Mountain.
https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
A great way to celebrate your homecoming…hugs and kisses to you all.
Thanks! It was the perfect homecoming daytrip!
Love you dear Jeanne! Wish you had been on the mountain with us. The naturalization ceremony was absolutely incredible & oh so very moving! What a spectacular day. Loads of love, Peg