I just got done going out to Mulnomah Falls from Portland...the back way. Now I gotta tell you I think that was a neat trick. I have been out there a couple of times before and I have always loved it. I love seeing the waterfall and the drive is part of the experience right? I mean you cruise down the highway by yourself or if you are in luck, good company. You put your feet up on the dash maybe if you are the passenger and you can talk or just take in the roadside sights. If you are by yourself maybe you roll the window down and light a cigar and put some good music on. You may find yourself smiling and singing out loud in company or by yourself. If you take the highway keep in mind the turn going there from Portland is on the left and not on the right. That's a bit strange.
My companion and I went the back way there. She decided I needed to take the scenic route. Often times it is the journey not the destination right? That was the case in this instance and I really appreciated it. Along the way we played no music, we just talked and caught up with one another. There were no cigars and yes the window was open and it was great company. I fell in love with the drive and made a silent promise to myself I would add this to my blog. It was foggy and a little chilly out but the scenery was amazing. Along the narrow winding road there were waterfalls coming out of the rocky walls that lined our journey, brush trees and hills peeked out from the fog and slowly materialized as we made our way down the windy road. I thought to myself and out loud to my friend, people lived here, and they made there way through these hills. She shifted gears and the tires hugged the corner on the asphalt that had carved into the hillside. The beauty was a little interrupted by the road and the houses and the mailboxes, but I was closer to what was and able to make a connection to the past for a second. There were stone walls along the way that were slightly lit up by phosphorus green moss, I would have done anything for a camera. I would have asked her to stop, I would have taken angle shots, black and white shots, color shots, shots of her. It was perfect, the fog adding to the majesty of it all. The wilderness reminded me a lot of Alaska where I am from and where i grew up.
The road comes suddenly on to the parking lot of Multomah Falls. We parked the car and got out. I had to look at the lodge and made my friend go into the dining room, the employees of the restaurant were gracious enough for letting us look around, and they were inviting. There is an upstairs, there is a lounge that is very small and a little intimate even. There are windows all over the dining area. She showed me her favorite table to have dinner and in my minds eye, the dining room dimmed and candle votive glowed from each of the tables surrounded by the low murmur of conversation and clinking of silverware on glass. I smiled to myself at her understanding I had to tour the facility. She knows what business I am in and told me she knew that I would want to look.
We walked up to the observation platform and stared in wonder at the falls. They are nestled into the rocky wall above the observation deck. It sprays and cascades down into a fine mist many, many feet below. This sight always makes me happy. I take deep breaths as I look up at the water cascading out into nothingness, some separating and drifting through the air, many feet away from it's departure from above and settling in a fine mist on my face. Some crashing down below and moving down into a perfect marriage with the earth continuing its journey down stream and into the wild. I looked around and there stood an elderly gentleman. He had a smile on his face, he was looking at us. I greeted him and he us. He asked if we were going to the top, and if we were, could we tell his granddaughter he had to head back. We informed him it was not our intention to go to the top today. Still smiling he said that he had to go back. His grand daughter has bright red hair. We told we'd let her know if we saw her. He looked very content. So we took a couple of pictures with my camera phone and talked a little more. Taking in the scenery, moss, mist, fog, cold. We went over the times that each of us had come here. Apparently it takes about 45 minutes for the trip to the top. I went up there with a baby stroller and a different friend. I can't recommend that experience to anyone. It was a challenge, but it was beautiful. We were about to head back to the car and I said hang on a second to my friend Denny. I spotted a lady and her companion rounding the final switchback to the observation platform. They too were smiling. I let them know about the grandfather. They said thank you and moved on. I then understood, I was probably smiling too. I looked at Denny and she was happy. Looking back at the experience, I believe the grandfather was enjoying all of the smiles and the scenery. That made Denny and I a part of it. I'd like to thank him for what I'm not sure. For being so happy that we were a part of a nice drive to the falls? That he decided we would be the ones to relay a message? Just thanks to you sir. For being part of ours and your great contented smile.
Yes, I recommend the journey not the destination. And if you can in this case, why not take the road less traveled? Until we meet again may you have many many happy journeys.
