I Find Mountains and Trees to be the Best Elixir for my Body

Reciprocal November Nature prompt: “Dream Destinations”

I grew up in the mountains along the Hudson River of New York State. My family chose to homestead there when I was six years old. We lived in a surplus Army Hospital Tent in 1946, without electricity or water. Life wasn’t easy for my parents raising three small children in primitive conditions. I was the oldest and thrived living close to the land in a deep forest. Every day was full of wonder and magic with the changing seasons.

My teachers were the birds and mammals and woodland creatures. The air was full of bird song during the day. Owls hooted at night. Tree squirrels chattered away in the canopy above. Orange newts scampered at the base of cedar trees. Deer foraged on the mountainside. Ants built elaborate tunnels underground. Butterflies, dragonflies and walking sticks fascinated me. Wildflowers carpeted the forest with vibrant displays of color. The gentle world of nature surrounded me with an endearing sense of love energy.

Then — I went to school where I met turmoil, prejudice, bullying, unkind human beings. My brothers and I were judged for the clothes we wore and the manner in which we lived. Slowly, over time I lost my innocence and naivety. I learned to keep opinions to myself and became wary of trusting others. During moments of sadness I found refuge sitting beside a bubbling brook. I would vent my feelings and leave restored in spirit. To this day I find solace and peace in mountains and forests.

After my divorce I longed to live where mountains and lush forests existed. I also wanted the four seasons. My children were living their own lives. At sixty, I was free to live where I would thrive. I found my paradise in Chelan, Washington, east of the Cascade Mountains. The town sits at the end of a fifty-five mile long lake enclosed by a fiord-like setting of wilderness.

My condo had a view of the lake and distant mountains. I worked in the bakery department of Safeway. After getting settled I adopted a rescue husky, Chan Teh. Soon I made friends with other outdoor oriented women. We enjoyed many climbing and hiking adventures in that invigorating environment.

Lake Chelan has crystal clear water. Its source comes from the glaciers of North Cascades National Park. Many residents living along the shore use the lake for their water supply. Yearly tests confirm the purity of the water.

There were so many trails to choose from in the Cascades. Mountains formed the backdrop in the distance. Wildflowers greeted us according to the season.

We gloried in the streams that flowed beside us. The music of water rushing around obstacles reverberated in the air. The cool liquid quenched my thirst. Chan Teh reveled in lapping her fill.

It was a treat to come upon wild ptarmigan. Sometimes I would surprise a grouse hidden in tall grasses. California quails paid us no heed. Chan Teh and I watched them quietly before continuing on our way.

Often we came upon a cascading waterfall along the trail. It was an ideal spot for a welcome rest and to enjoy our lunch. Chan Teh didn’t complain for she knew some tiny tidbits would be shared.

Fall was a glorious time to hike. Huckleberries provided such contrast with their red foliage. As we climbed higher the wind would play with my hair, cooling my body as it did so.

Winter provided an opportunity to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Chan Teh was ideally suited to traveling on snow. I would put her in harness and skijor as a team on groomed tracks.

So many activities were available living near Chelan. There were sandy beaches and brrr, cold water. The lake was glacier fed after all.

Rock climbers flocked to the area for the number of challenging routes available to them. When members of my family visited, we would rope up and try to conquer the rock ourselves. I had taught all members of my family how to rock climb. We would belay one another.

The Wenatchee River was perfect for tubing or whitewater rafting. Sections could be daunting especially during the spring runoff.

The nearby town of Winthrop is a popular cross country skiing area. There is even a groomed trail for those of us with dogs. Chan Teh and I skijored there many times. It has the best snow I’ve ever skied on. There are many groomed trails to choose from.

An avid cyclist, I participated in cycling events along the Columbia River. Washington roads have bike lanes as part of their highway system. The mountain passes are particularly challenging. It kept me fit for mountaineering. The area contained many peaks that beckoned.

I don’t know of many places where backpackers are dropped off near trailheads by boat. One can take an early spring hike on the Chelan Lakeshore trail. An easy three day backpack to Stehekin, a quaint isolated community. It is a gateway to North Cascades National Park. One can also access the Pacific Crest Trail from there.

The Cascade Range reminds me of Germany and Austria. Whenever I longed for that ambience I would take a short drive to Leavenworth. This Bavarian village transports you to Europe. The visitor is greeted with German music, saleswomen in dirndls, and traditional festivals.

Plenty of wildlife inhabits that area. You can see wolves, bear, deer, cougars, and majestic mountain sheep. The sheep leave snow packed peaks and gravitate to the Columbia River during winter. There is often a traffic jam on the road around Entiat. I’ll never forget witnessing virile rams butting heads to determine who would lead the herd. This happened right beside the highway.

The weather east of the Cascades is ideal for growing fruit. Orchards supply apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and grapes. Seasonal fresh picked fruit is available from local family markets. Most harvests are shipped to other states though.

Now do you understand why Chelan was an ideal dream destination for me? I lived there for six glorious years. When I was able to retire I sold everything I owned. Then bought a used RV and traveled to every National Park and Alaska. Chelan will always remain the best place I ever lived.

Thank you Sahil Patel for allowing me to revisit my dream destination.

Please read Dr. Preeti Singh’s post about a Park dedicated to recycling materials into majestic pieces of art. Her pictures are a marvel to behold.

Annelise Lords brings up a question I’ve wondered about for ages. “Why are we judged by our color?” Everyone should read this.