August in the Cascades

My dear friend Leslie, who is an avid skier, treated me to a day on Crystal Mountain. We arrived at the stunning resort and a cool breeze greeted us, downed in layers because the weather and temperature can change in a heartbeat, we found our way to the gondola.

An exhilarating trip up the mountain to its tip at 7,012’, brought pure pleasure. There was a promise of sunshine, and we carried our sketching pads to capture the essence of the cascades crowned by Mt. Rainier. At first what greeted us was a bit disappointing as Mt. Rainier was socked in by rushing clouds. As we watched for the mountain to appear, the clouds swirled changing the landscape right before our eyes.

Not to be defeated, I sat and sketched as the wind snatching at my drawing pad and my hair blown back like that of a hood ornament traveling at an extraordinary speed. The day was both amazing and dramatic as the mountains change their hues with shadows of indigo and the sun dancing along the ridges of the supportive mountains.

As we sat on Crystal, out before us was Silver Queen and to her left a tip of Silver King makes his presence known, while the White River runs down through it all.  The rushing wind revealed blue sky and briefly, at one moment the 14,411’ Mt. Rainier smiled down on us. It was a day of elated relaxation. And yes, the layers were welcome as we cuddled into our jackets.

I hope you enjoy my new painting, available here on my website, and maybe someday you will find your way to the gondola and up to the magic of the mountains.

Cheers,
Beverly Hooks