horsetail falls: take the plunge

The waterfall roars

stirring and churning the pool

life always changing

Cemetery: It was the thought that counted….

If you have followed along with SwittersB, you know I like exploring Oregon’s pioneer cemeteries. The markers make all manner of suggestion to me as I stroll about. Several children passing on the same day or within days of one another (an accident, disease, or worse). Historical names to the area or region are found. Or names that suggest further research and new discoveries.

Often the pioneer cemeteries are maintained by a core volunteers who tend to the grounds, the markers and records. Keeping track of where the graves are can be difficult if the markers are moved or overgrown. Here the markers are propped up against the primary family marker. Who were these people deserving of only a set of initials? Did finances limit the attention to details? Were they outcasts or distant cousins or son and daughter-in-laws? The leaning markers captured my imagination this time. It was the thought that counted at the time to make a marker I suppose. Now they are propped up as a fading reminder. Thank you to the volunteers that maintain this cemetery in the Columbia River Gorge.

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