As long as I’ve lived in this area, it’s been well-known that many people come here, and often end up staying, simply to be in close proximity to Mount Shasta. I remember when I first moved here, hearing many of the locals laugh about the “mountain worshippers.” No doubt Mount Shasta attracts a certain number of new-age folks who are interested in the spiritual and mystical aspects of the mountain. There is something about Mt. Shasta that is inexplicably compelling and attractive. Yesterday, I had my own experience with mountain worship.

It started when I noticed an interesting lenticular cloud beginning to form over the peak. So, I loaded up my camera gear and headed down the old highway to a place I had scouted a while ago that I thought would make an interesting shot. When I got there, it was sunny and pleasant, actually quite warm for February. I set about finding a good spot and set up my tripod. I watched in fascination as the cloud swirled and changed minute to minute while the rest of the world went about their business hardly noticing me or the cloud. Even the cows were oblivious to the beauty unfolding right before them.

 

I shot hundreds of exposures, close and wide, while the sun was slowly going lower on the horizon. The next thing I knew, it was getting dark, I was shivering and my hands were nearly numb from the cold. But, I couldn’t tear myself away not knowing what that cloud was going to do next. Then, just as I was about to pack up and go warm myself with the heater in my car, the wind at the top of the mountain suddenly changed and the peak revealed itself above the cloud. The last light of the day was still present at the highest altitude, which made it appear as though it was glowing.

It’s moments like these that reaffirm why I became a photographer, and why I will continue. And now I suppose I am a mountain worshipper, too.