July 9

 July 9, 2011 ~
                                                                                 ON THE RIDGE!

“For the beauty of each hour, for the beauty of the earth…” I sing my praise to the Lord Above! On this Sabbath day, Ron and I have enjoyed the beauty of the earth that God has created for our enjoyment!

Since the trails higher up on the mountain are not yet open because of the above normal snow pack, the lower trail heads are packed with people. Our hike today was on Mt. Hood, our destination: Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge. As we approached the trail park area, it was over flowing its boundary with cars. We were blessed to find a parking place up close, because someone had left.                                         

Here we begin our seven plus mile hike, up to Mirror Lake, then on to the top of the ridge overlooking the lake and five snow capped mountains! I am so blessed to live where there is such an abundance of hiking, backpacking and camping opportunities!

It has been a wonderful day! The beauty that I saw could only bring my thoughts back to my Lord above, in praise for the beauty He has created! And the crowds of people were pleasant and enjoyable to meet.

Happy For A Reason reasons:

1.      An Awesome God!

2.      The beauty of the earth that God created for me to enjoy!

3.      I live where I have ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors!

4.      Pleasant people! (… and doggies, too!)

5.      The ability to enjoy a seven mile hike with Ron!

Below I share four verses from the song that runs through my mind today….

For The Beauty of The Earth

For the beauty of the earth,

For the glory of the skies;

For the love which from our birth,

Over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour,

Of the day and of the night;

Hill and vale and tree and flow'r,

Sun and moon, and stars of light;

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye,

For the heart and mind's delight;

For the mystic harmony,

Linking sense to sound and sight;

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thyself, best Gift Divine,

To the world so freely given,

For that great, great love of Thine,

Peace on earth and joy in heaven.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This, our hymn of grateful praise.
~By Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864

                             Destination: Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge....view from Mirror Lake

Ron and I at Mirror Lake before heading up to the ridge.

We are almost there! ....Many people bring a rock from the ridge to place it on this pile.

Mirror Lake from Tom, Dick, and Harry Ridge

Flowers on the Ridge with Mt Hood in the background.