As a young man, I had joined the military, and was fortunate enough to travel across American soils. From east coast to west, north to south. My eyes had seen some of the most magnificent views of fields and valley, countless mountain ranges, and miles of open waters. I had gained a new love and appreciation for the things we had been given. At one point, I had taken a small trip of three days to Oregon. I visited what I thought, could be the only place on earth to be called heaven.
There I was, sleeping under stars, hiking some of the roughest terrain I had ever been on, and viewing some of the most beautiful sights these eyes had ever seen. I remember asking myself, which is water, and which is reflection, as the waters of this mountaintop where as blue as the sky itself. Unharmed by mankind, replenished by nature, these were the perfect ingredients for this heavenly place. Wildlife was in abundance, even occasional patches of flower, and streams of crystal waters meandering through rock and crevices.
The irony of this whole experience never struck me 'till years later. For this piece of what I called heaven on earth, was actually the mouth of a 12,000-foot-tall volcano, that erupted and collapsed approximately 7,700 years ago. Now for most the name would have given them a clue. For years, this notion had escaped me, I had spoken its name countless times reflecting back, and making reference. It was an eye opening moment, when I realized that Crater Lake, was in fact a dormant volcano. It was then I would learn my lesson, and come to realize, if nature in all her fury can create such a majestic and heavenly place, then I have the responsibility to protect and honor it to the best of my ability.
I hope to again visit this place of insurmountable beauty. I have never forgotten the visions and experiences I had on that mountaintop. For sharing this beautiful place, would undoubtedly ensure the future of our lands and unique places for many more generations.
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