Remembering Oso

It was a quiet summer for us this year, but as the warm summer days have drifted into Indian Summer and now the beginnings of Autumn we decided Saturday was a perfect day to take a leisurely drive.  I truly love the fall with its crisp sunny days and chilly nights.  It always makes me feel much more energetic than during the warm, lazy days of summer.

We decided to head North and East with no particular destination in mind, just enjoying the beautiful blue skies and open farmland nestled under the Cascade Foothills.

 

 After a couple of hours in the car we stopped here at the North Fork of the Stillaquamish River so I could stretch the stiffness out of my leg.  

Ordinarily when I would spot a trail like this I would be on my way to see where it ended up.  But it was much too rocky to attempt with a cane and I have come too far in my recovery to make a mistake now that could cause a fall.

 So, I contented myself with enjoying the lovely view from above.

 As the afternoon progressed we found ourselves driving past the site of the terrible Oso landslide which took place March 22, 2014. The slide covered over one square mile blocking the highway and filling the river with mud and debris.  Forty-three people were killed and forty-nine homes or buildings were destroyed.  The American flag was posted on the top of a tree trunk, all that was left of the home that once stood there.

We live a little less than 30 miles from where this took place and every community was shocked and devastated.  More than 600 people took part in the search and rescue efforts. One month later President Obama took the time to come out to meet and comfort the survivors and families who had lost loved ones.  

While spending time near Oso was a sobering experience we very much enjoyed our little outing and look forward to more of them as I get stronger and stronger.  I know it has been a while since I have been here myself, but I do thank you for stopping by and please feel free to leave a comment if you like. Adieu!