The Same View of Mt. Hood

When I moved to Oregon from the Midwest, I obviously knew there were mountains. I heard about them. I’d even been told some of the stories about Mount St. Helen’s explosion in 1980 and the devastation left behind for so many who lived here. Additionally, after moving here I’ve been told with stunning regularity that I need to be prepared for “The Big One” ‘cause apparently we’re due. 

But aside from all that volcano/subduction zone talk, I was excited about living near mountains (well, volcanos — but semantics.) I didn’t, however, consider that I might be lucky enough to end up living in a space that has a view of Mount Hood. 

When I moved in five years ago in November, it was the beginning of the rainy season, so we didn’t really see the ‘mountain view’ that was promised until January or so. However, from that moment on I was obsessed, and frequently snap a photo in the middle of whatever else I’m doing. 

Here is a selection of iPhone photos of Mt. Hood from the last few years of living here.

I have taken a few 4x5 photos, but without a proper lens to shoot at that distance, the only really notable photo I got back was from my pinhole experiments. So the iPhone has been the best and most available documentation tool I had. 

And then if only the iPhone were capable of capturing the colors. The vibrant pinks and oranges that dance off the surface of the snow often get captured as this strange almost neon pink, but you get the idea. 

It’s been a joy to witness the many different views of Mt Hood. Not quite as inspired at Hokusai’s 36 views of Mount Fuji, but I’m on my way. 

Hifana’s Wamono video was also inspired by Hokusai’s iconic Under the Wave off Kanagawa. A favorite video of mine.