East to West // Part Two // my mountain

"Our home lay in a small valley west of the mountain.

We often called it Salmon Creek Valley, although I don't

think it was ever officially called that.
It was "our valley" and Silver Star was our mountain,

my mountain."

-Betty West

My great-Grandma wrote those words above. It is from her I got my love of the mountains. I did not spend very much time with her growing up, and she passed away when I was quite young. Still, her free spirit was passed down to my Grandma, Mother, and finally to me.

The need for mountain air. Western skies. Cool breezes. Open land for as far as the eye can see. Sunshine and wildflowers.

My mom's side of the family once leased the section of mountain we call "Silver Star". My great-Grandma grew up running cattle up those hill sides. Staying in a cabin and riding horses. I remember hearing stories about it for as long as I can remember. That place has always had a special place in my heart. And in time I came to feel the same as Grandma Betty. This was my mountain.

From the very first time Josiah said "hello" to me, I think I told him of this special place. I wanted to share it with him, show him the place I loved so much. The Ranch is now a memory, so he will never be able to see the cabin in the woods. Maybe that is why I wanted to share Silver Star with him so badly. So Saturday morning we loaded up and headed for the hills.

The road up there is very rutted and narrow. I have never dared drive there on my own and have always rode with someone. This time, I took a deep breath and with Josiah by my side, took to the mountain roads. I was a nervous wreck and we had some scary moments, but I made it safely to the top and back down!

It was a dream come true to share this place with Josiah. I am so thankful we were able to make the long hike together. We even shared some nasty sunburns. *wink*

Care for a glimpse of my mountain?

My home is so beautiful.

Chancy and Dustin. Tiny little specks.

Looking out on the same land their ancestors did.

My best friend and I. <3

View from the summit! It's called "Silver Star" because you can
see the five mountains (also volcanos) from the top.

My Grandpa and Sue captured this of Josiah and I.

Mountain air and my love. Life doesn't get much better than that.

*my heart*

God's handiwork. Oh the colors our Lord created!

The gang! Missing Grandpa and Sue.

I'll see you next time. *waves*