Recently, I found myself on the Cascade River Road in Washington State, surrounded by the smoky stillness of wildfire season. With my camera, I captured the moody, hazy beauty of the North Cascades in black-and-white photographs.
It was one of those days when the mountains pulled you in, no matter the circumstances. I drove up Cascade River Road, winding through the forest, eager to reach the upper valley. But as I continued, the smoke grew thicker, and the smell of wildfire hung heavy in the air. Nature had its own plans that day. The road was closed, and I had to turn back sooner than expected.
I pulled off at a viewpoint that caught my eye. The Cascade River Valley stretched before me. A smoky veil cloaked the mountains, subduing their rugged beauty. The haze wrapped around the ridges like a blanket, softening their edges and creating layers of shadow and light. In moments like these, the wild calls me. It’s mysterious. It reveals the ability for beauty to flourish in challenging situations.
I took a few deep breaths, absorbing the scene before capturing several images. The smoke gave the valley a dreamlike quality, the layers of hills disappearing into the distance like a watercolor painting. It was peaceful, even with the knowledge of the fires burning nearby. It was a strange beauty that lingered with me long after I left.
These images testify to that day. They hold a sense of stillness, of quiet resilience in the face of nature’s fury. How do these places make you feel? Do they calm your mind, stir your heart, or fill you with wonder? Take a moment to ponder your personal experiences in nature. Embrace the profound essence of these untamed places that defy description.
It’s why I return to the North Cascades.
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