Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge

Mt. Hood, as seen from Timberline Lodge
We were standing at not quite 6,000 feet; the peak is at 11,249 feet

I've been quiet for a few days, but it's for a good reason.  My Aunt and Uncle have been visiting, and we've had fun times.  Yesterday we drove up to Mt. Hood and visited Timberline Lodge. 

Mt. Jefferson, from Timberline Lodge

 Timberline Lodge

The building is made from timbers and rocks in the surrounding forests, and adorned with beautiful things made from scrap materials.  The story of Timberline Lodge is inspiring.  A WPA project from the Great Depression, the Lodge put lots of folks to work - laborers and crafts people. 

One small portion of a mural carved from scrap linoleum

Beauty emerged from things on hand. The hooked rugs were made from old uniforms. Murals were carved out of scrap linoleum (Artist Douglas Lynch). Even the door hinges became decorative.

Beautiful door adornment from scrap metal

Our tour guide impressed upon us how meaningful it was to be a worker on the Lodge.  The work was long and hard, but it was a good job and people were in desperate need.  Despite the constraints and the challenges, the workers found the creative spark -- that desire to make beauty in our world -- and it still shines through today in the many details throughout the Lodge. 

Timberline Lodge has just celebrated its 75th anniversary.  Last year, one of the men who carved the massive pillars in the main hall came to visit.  He was nearly 100 years old.  He wanted to see the Lodge one more time.  He recently passed away, but you can see his tools and hear his story when you visit and take the Timberline Lodge tour.