If you’re fortunate enough to be flying into Portland on a sunny day, you might just be treated to a fly-by of Mt. Hood on final approach to PDX. I’ve lived in Portland off and on (I’ve left and returned four times, which is another story for another time) for almost 33 years, and this view of Mt. Hood is as majestic, iconic, and symbolic of Portland as anything I can think of.
On every return trip to Portland, I try to sit on the left side of the plane, in order that I might once again to be treated to a view unlike anything I’ve ever seen…and I’ve seen a thing or two. I’m always quite disappointed to be flying home late at night or on rainy or cloudy days. When that’s the case, I feel as if I’ve been robbed of something beyond mere beauty and wonder. This view of Mt. Hood never fails to inspire awe and an intense sense of gratitude for being fortunate and blessed to call Portland home.
I hope I’ll never reach a place in my life where I’ve lost the sense of awe and wonder whenever I’m fortunate enough to be able see Mt. Hood arrayed majestically below. No matter where I’ve been or how long I’ve been away, seeing Mt. Hood on final approach to PDX is, next to seeing my wife, the best welcome I can think of.