The Spirit and Culture of Mt. Rainier
People come to Washington State to visit, climb, or view Mt. Rainier for different reasons. They all have a story to go with their adventures with and on the mountain. It's a commanding presence in our state, and has been enjoyed as long as man has lived here.
Though living in and traveling Washington State all my life (minus a few years), I still gasp at the view of Mt. Rainier when it looms large over the landscape as I traverse our western highways. Driving along, my breath catches when it's a sunny day and the mountain appears majestically before me. It always surprises me, and I often wish I could stop and gaze at the awesome mountain for a while. The views are different, depending on where you are; they are always inspiring. It's as if all nature is in your view and you are partaking of a gift from above. Here's the mountain viewed from Yelm City Park.
There are a couple of places on Interstate 5 (I-5) where the view of Mt. Rainier emerges unexpectedly: one is going South on I-5 up the hill past Southcenter Mall, the other is leaving I-5 north merging onto Highway 512 east towards Puyallup. These are both busy freeway areas, so there's no opportunity to stop. I would if I could, though.
As traffic moves expectedly on I always yearn to capture the moment in time when the mountain appears and I am awestricken once again. So strong is that urge that a few weeks ago I decided to do just that, not on the freeway of course. I went "looking for the mountain" and stopped and photographed it from different locations around the northwest. Every view was as formidable as the next. So what is it that grasps one's attention?
Folks who believe the mountain holds powers, such as Shirley MacLaine, at one time moved to Washington and settled in the mountain's view. I muse, and take no stand one way or another. I do know I regard the mountain with reverence and awe. When I fly over the mountains of Washington Mt. Rainier looms large and commanding among all the other mountains of the state. I can't imagine Washington State without the breathtaking image of Mt. Rainier.
You will get a feeling for how strong the connection is with residents if you read their words. I could tell you all day in my words, but capturing theirs for you in this link is a better plan. Folks like Donna Sigo and others have a lot to say about the mountain. No denying folks in this country love their mountain; you will know that if you take time to follow this link.
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