Mountains. Real ones.

It was a gorgeous  sunny winter day in Maple Valley today.The kind of day that reminds you how beautiful it is here. The Glory of God's Creation was shining through the incredible sunrise this morning.I tried to take a picture with my phone, and it just didn't do it justice. Yes, it is gray many months of the year, with perpetual drizzle-- or 'mist'  but it is these beautiful clear days when Mt. Rainier reminds you that she is indeed there, behind the cloud cover that really bring home how spectacular the views in Washington State are. I fear I have taken her for granted for too long, now that I am leaving. Seeing her when we cross the floating bridge, standing tall at the South end of 1-5.. Feeling as if we can reach out and touch her while driving SR 410.
 She was in all her glory with her crazy double ringed UFO cloud hat jauntily perched to the side, magnificent behind the grocery stores and strip malls that are 4 corners today. This phenomenon is called a 'lenticular cloud' and locals know that if she is wearing a 'hat' rain is imminent within 24 hours.

 Maybe it is because absence makes the heart grow fonder-- so when she IS out we appreciate her more? In College Geology class we learned about her geological makeup,and volcanic activity- joking that she really is just a cardboard cut out for tourists, since she is so elusive most of the year. I always feel badly for out of town guests who would like a glimpse, as she rarely complies.
 Even summertime trips to Grand Park, Paradise, or Sunrise is often met with a wall of clouds, and we are left making lame excuses as to when she may make an appearance- August maybe? September? a Random day in June? December 11th?!

view from Lake Wilderness, Maple Valley WA

Mt. Rainier, I am going to miss you.