Feels Like Home
Oregon · USA
Auburn leaf litter bespeckled with gold cushions the trail beyond Herman Bridge while a bower of arching vine maples sheathed in sleeves of green moss offer little reprieve from the constant drizzle. Not that there was any reprieve needed: I often found myself forsaking the cover of my rain shell’s hood in favor of feeling the cool sprinkle of raindrops and tree drip against my scalp and face. It was a simple but effective reminder that I need to constantly nurture my spiritual connection with the natural world, despite life’s many human constructs that too often conspire to weaken it.
It was a soggy but thoroughly enjoyable and peaceful Sunday hike with Rami Jabaji, who much to my my selfish dismay was due to relocate to the Midwest for a job-related change in just a few short weeks. The mood was equal parts celebratory and sobering, I think, as Rami contemplated the prospects of a superbly talented (and in my estimation grossly underrecognized) landscape photographer trying to get by in a state where you can peer over the highest natural landmark by standing on the top floor of the Willis Tower. Still, he tells me, the opportunity to move up the career ladder was just too good to pass up, and he fully intends to return to the Portland area before his adorable new little boy will be due to start preschool.
Just remember, bro...I'm holding you to that.
