The Power and Strength are within the Spirit of the Gorge
Is it really January? It did not feel like Winter, especially feel like last Winter ( very thankful for that). Driving home up the Gorge with the sunroof open! Ok, it was only 50 degrees, but no wind or rain, in the Gorge, that almost calls for t-shirt weather.
Either way, the mild weather makes a commute into the big city ( or anywhere we have to travel in the Gorge) a nice drive. The nice opened opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and we do have one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Despite the horrific fire we endured last year that has devastated acres of our evergreens, the Gorge still stands strong with its magnificent jagged rock cliffs of rugged beauty. Due to the fires, many hiking trails remain closed. The fire has left the scene open to show the dangers that come with the beautiful terrain. Fallen trees, charred grounds, lost vegetation that also holds back chunks of rock and debris fallen.
The Gorge has much to offer, despite the closed trails and Winter weather. The Bald Eagles return every Winter to their fishing grounds. With the Gorge airs calm, the majestic Eagles stand out well as they perch in the snags. Today alone on my drive I viewed over 10 Eagles. A family with two adult and three juvenile Eaglets were between Carson and Stevenson perched in different trees. Down by the mill pond in Stevenson we have another family, a family also take home by the Bonneville dam and today I viewed two adults as far West as Benson Lake.
The Gorge mountains took its beating from the fires. It's strength and stance remain, it will grow back and is re-kindled in my heart with the presence of the Eagles. The Eagle conveys the powers and messages of the spirit; it is man's connection to the divine because it flies higher than any other bird. ... If the Eagle has appeared, it bestows freedom and courage to look ahead. The Eagle is symbolic of the importance of honesty and truthful principles, our National icon.
Maybe that is why when I see an Eagle fly across my path or sit up high in a tree, its symbolism empowers my heart with strength, healing and courage. Our Gorge mountains will also hold its strength and with Spring around the corner, where the fire has scared the scenery, it will regrow and heal.
But until it heals and trails are reconstructed for safe trekking on, there are many places to hike further East on the Oregon side and along the Washington side. Just be sure you are still prepared. This is the Gorge, the weather can change, the terrain can change and even the well maintained trails can present the dangers of nature. Be safe, be smart, prepare, check out ahead if its a trail you can physically handle and then enjoy!
