Cabin Fever

Posted on by pmdello

Recently, I walked along Hood River’s waterfront. The path I take is 3.5 miles out and back. The fresh air acts as an antidote to the cabin fever that persists during Oregon’s winter months. The Port Commission has patiently developed this resource over the last three decades. Another decade of fine tuning should bring the project to a satisfactory completion.

Each visit provides a unique perspective of the same route. Normally, I walk alone. I listen to music on my iPhone and use its camera to capture the views that change day to day due to weather and the advancing seasons. 

In truth, the more I go, the more I see.

I love the bold red color amid the natural hues of the river basin. I’m not sure why, but whenever I look at these three shapes, I see rabbits. Must be a rorschach thing. Artist: C. J. Rench
Whimsy on the waterfront. Froggy sculpture placed where two pathways meet. Artist: Ralph Trethewey
Brushed aluminum with a shelf up top. Sunlight works wonders on the distressed surface, so the piece interacts with nature. Artist: Gary Trudeau
More brushed aluminum with a figurative sun and a river bird. Artist: Jesse Swickard
Not a sculpture, per se, but a vision of a landscape architect who has a bit of the artist in her/him. Also, these stones reflect the basalt cliffs that border the Columbia River.

 

Evidently, the Port’s master plan emphasized both creative landscaping and art. On this visit, the sculpture placed along the path drew my attention.

Sculpture celebrates the shape of things. The movement of the Columbia River frames these stationary works of art. The hills on the north shore, the basalt cliffs, and the sky and clouds juxtapose the natural with the man-made.

I plod along, medicating myself against cabin fever, surrounded by the wonders of Northwest Oregon. Creative ideas bubble to the surface of my consciousness. Often, they defy re-capture later when I stand before my word processor. And, that’s okay. For me, it’s healthy to let them go. 

A murky cloud bank and the promise of sunshine from the east.
The yellow boat, the rusty dock stanchions, and the green bridge with grey cloud and blue sky reflections.
Extraordinary morning light graced with a full rainbow.
The rippling river, a splash of sun on the hills, and a white triangle of sail.
A quorum of geese on Pier 9.

 

The latest numbers and comments on treatment can be found at The Drill.

21 thoughts on “Cabin Fever”

  1. I adore Hood River, so anything you write about it will get my attention. I loved looking at the photos, especially the one with the boats. (Hmmm, maybe that’s why the Peanut calls me “Nonna Boats.”) And one more thing: I saw dragons instead of rabbits.

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  3. Solitary walks in familiar, yet everchanging locations are great for stimulating creativity. The inspiration does have a way of dissipating once in front of a screen, however. I take a little notebook and pen along with me when I walk.

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  5. Wow, your photos are astonishing. I see bird creatures carrying clubs in the first (what would Rorschach say?) and adore the thinking frog. That backdrop though, that’s the real star. I love the sound of your walks – the solitude, music and photo time – and how it leads to new ideas. Good stuff.

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  8. I love your eye, and I see the rabbits, too. The frog is my favorite. How wonderful that you are adding the pursuit of photography to your creative repertoire.

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  11. I first happened upon your blog, I don’t remember how, when we were working at an RV park in Fairview. My husband has multiple myeloma also. Your blog is fascinating and inspiring! We have worked in Montana and now Colorado, and hubby continues to be in remission while taking Pomalyst. I hope to be able to be encouraged by your writings for a long time to come!

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    1. TY Ann. Yes, I remember you. I appreciate you stopping by to comment. I am glad your husband is well. I am finding the Pom fatigue difficult and am considering taking a break.

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  12. I remember the chuckle when I first read your blog title. Recently diagnosed at the time, a chuckle was appreciated. Usually see your blog on the MM support group, but just signed up so I don’t miss any. Lovely writing and I resonate with nature as healing.

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  14. “The more I go the more I see.” Definite truth. You’ve given me an idea – as I suffer my own bout of cabin fever, I just may explore a waterside trail we have here called “Bay Walk”. Not as ambitious in artwork but certainly as captivating as nature can provide. Thanks as always for your inspiration, your words, and your images. Onward!

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  15. There is nothing quite like walking along the Columbia River, and to do so at Hood River, even better ~ and it shows with the photos. The winter months anywhere in Oregon (and Washington) does lead to cabin fever, and like you when I can get out, those moments are to be cherished. Wish you well in the Year of the Monkey with health and happiness ~ take care.

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