The weekend prior, I had the opportunity to visit relatives who have a home in the Methow Valley. The Methow is settled just beyond the North Cascades mountain range, in the north eastern quadrant of Washington State. My visit took me on a wonderful adventure.
On Friday, day one, we went on a scenic drive of Winthrop and Twisp. These towns have an old west feel to them, having once been set up in the 1860s when the lure of gold attracted mining to the area. Before the miners arrived, the Methow people of Native Americans inhabited this land, estimated by researchers to have been the first inhabitants arriving 10,000 years ago (source: HistoryLink.org).
During our drive in the valley, I discovered what looked to be a grove of old apple trees. The trees were big and randomly placed in a large meadow. At first sight, their silhouettes reminded me of Monet's haystack paintings. There was something poetic about their presence that appealed to me.
On Saturday, day two, we went on a 7-mile hike in the surrounding North Cascades. Our hike took us through alpine meadows in the jagged mountains with views of glacial fed lakes and waterfalls along the way. At about 3/4 of the way up, we decided to make the final trek to the summit. The atmosphere of the summit was changing constantly as cloud mist rolled in and out. Even though the mist was settling lower and lower on the ridge, we could see hints of blue sky peaking out. We decided to go all the way to the summit ridge, which was about 15 minutes away. I was with experienced mountaineers who pay attention to these details and can evaluate the conditions. Boy, am I glad we continued on.
Arriving at the summit, I found myself in what could be the most beautiful nature hike I have ever been on. The views were beyond stunning. It was exhilarating for me to experience Mother Nature in this alpine setting! It was a truly "Sound of Music" view. The North Cascades are the only mountain range in the United States that most resemble the European Alps, in terms of character, although they are not as high as the Alps.
My trip to the Methow Valley was inspiring to me as a painter. I will be capturing this experience soon in daily paintings! Stay tuned!
On the way to the Methow Valley. Diablo Lake, North Cascades. No filter was used in the making of this photo. The turquoise in the water is due to rock till that has been washed down by glacial activity. Stunning!
Day One. Friday. Winthrop, Methow Valley.
The apple trees reminded me of Monet's haystack paintings.
Claude Monet, Haystacks, End of Summer, 1891
23.8 × 39.7 in, Musée d'Orsay
Day Two. Saturday. North Cascades Mountains. On a mountain ridge. Corteo Peak in the background.
I encountered an ice pond as we came closer to the mountain ridge.
On the decent. This could be a view of Salzburg, Austria! Yet, it is another stunning view of the North Cascades.
The hills are alive with the Sound of Music!