A Contemplative Retreat in the Pacific Northwest Mist

 

On the fifth day of our two-week camping trip, we drove across the incredibly arid - and brown, brown, brown - expanses of Eastern Washington on our way to Mt. Rainier. Then, as soon as we hit White Pass - just east of Rainier - we drove into a completely different weather system. Dense fog and rain saturated the region, just ten minutes away from the dry eastern part of the state. Arriving at our campsite right on the Ohanapecosh River, we set up our tent at dusk during a break from the rain. Incredible lushness greeted us, as towering Douglas-firs, Western Red Cedars and Western Hemlocks - as well as a whole host of ferns - covered the campground. The fog made us feel surrounded by the Divine Presence, and we found ourselves naturally drawn into a contemplative space that was very refreshing and restful. Preparing our meals right next to the roaring river - and listening to its song all night long - complemented the retreat. I spent a lot of time meditating by that river . . .

Photo: Stephen meditating by the Ohanapecosh River; Mount Rainier National Park, WA; July 23, 2014