By Morf Morford
Tacoma Daily Index
Every location is unique, but a quick glance at the map of Washington (below) shows what an extraordinary terrain surrounds and sustains us.
What other state – or even nation – holds such an immensity and yes, diversity of land, water and dynamic geology in such a compacted area?
What other place has mountains, glaciers, islands, deserts and prairies, expansive waterways, cities and wilderness areas a relatively short distance from each other?
What other state has an extensive ferry system anywhere near ours? (http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/)
How many states have ten volcanoes? (https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/washington.html)
How many areas have anywhere near our variety of nearby and accessible national, state and local parks?
Most of us take our state for granted. Our routines keep us on asphalt, in strip malls and on computer screens, but this map reminds us that we have a far larger world within reach – or at least in sight.
Most of us see Mt. Rainier and parts of Puget Sound almost every day. Point Defiance and many other parks are only a short distance from our city center.
We spend most of our time working and building, yet the tides and forests speak of another tempo, perhaps even a different value system, one that stands, or moves, outside of dollars and schedules.
When I am in the wilderness, I feel that I can breathe again, my near-constant daily obligations seem to float away. The moments spent on a mountain peak or in an ancient forest remind me where- and who – I am.
I come back to work, and back home, restored, refreshed and yes, re-focused.
My work takes on new meaning, and those little things, like lunch or a hot shower seem like gifts from the gods.
Spring is possibly the most beautiful time in Washington. Flowers and buds seem to emerge from every barren stick or bare piece of ground and the sun’s warm glances seem like a tease – but are even more welcome with the contrast of the seemingly solid grey clouds so close to our memories and so embedded in our reputation – at least on our side of the Cascade Range.
Yes, Washington is home, but it is, or at least can be, much more than that.
In some way, far beyond words, it makes us who we are.
