Claustrophobia
Usually claustrophobia is associated with little tiny spaces, like closets, small rooms, WC on the airplanes. But there are other types of claustrophobia’s, one of them is opposite of the small places, it is when people feel claustrophobic in large spaces, it just happens for these places to be a bit less “open”. I’ve heard stories of people who grew up in New Mexico, went to college to NC and felt absolutely claustrophobic. If you been to both states then you’ll know what I’m talking about. And there is another type of claustrophobia, not space related, I call it “organizational” or “authority” claustrophobia. It is a bit complicated to describe it. All I can say is that I think I have that type of claustrophobia, that is why many years ago I left Soviet Union and pretty much all of my professional career work in consulting industry, which is to me one of the great forms of modern day capitalism.
Anyway, why am I talking about all this? Well, the following image got me thinking about it. Being free. Open space. No restrains. No other reason.
American Landscape
I love how you can see for miles and miles on the American West, there is no ending to it. On a clear day like this you can see so far away; we were about thirty miles away from the Mt Hood and you can see it like it is right in your back yard. Nothing like this ever happens on the East coast. Most times we have too much humidity here for such clear views.
While visiting Oregon one of the biggest surprises for me was how quickly the landscape and weather changes from West to East. In a matter of 15-20 miles it changes from lush-plush forest area to pretty much dry sun burned steppes. It was my first visit to Oregon and first time we drove from Portland to The Dalles, I really could not believe my eyes to such a drastic change in environment.
I love Oregon. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. But it looks like you may not have made it to the Rocky Mountains yet. That’s another different kind of wide open spaces. The Canadian Rockies are particularly breath-taking. There’s almost too many wonderful places to see or visit in this wide world.
nope, never been to the rocky mountains yet. some day. some day, hopefully in the next couple years.
Yes, you have it! I’m one of those New Mexicans who feel hemmed in when I get too far east. It surprised me, but it’s definitely there. Also happens now when I’m in most of California too. I need those open spaces. Great shot of Mt. Hood.
:-), I knew it, some will relate to it
I used to live in the state of Washington, and grew up on the west (wet) side of the state. Early in my career, I moved to the east side of the Cascade Mountains for a job in Wenatchee (they would say, “North Central Washington”, not “Eastern”). We lived on the westernmost edge of town. I could walk from our apartment to the national forest near by. On the eastern end, the townis bordered by the Columbia River… And beyond that it’s bone dry desert (and Wenatchee’s little sister, East Wenatchee). This is not a big town, mind you! When we first arrived, I missed the tall trees. When we went back to the west side of the state after 13 months in Wenatchee, I was happy to see the trees… But i slowly realized that it bothered me that they blocked my view! I had grown accustomed to being able to see for miles. It was certainly not something i expected, but the very same tall trees i had been pining for (sorry) made me uncomfortable for the next several months.
Love the photo of Mount Hood!
I’ve been to Seattle many times but never ventured to the east. usually go up the coast or down the coast. on one of my next trips I’ll need to drive to the east and see it too.
Beautiful! I just came back from travel around New Mexico. I love the wide open spaces.
we were there a few years ago around Christmas time and it was really nice. I didn’t have good camera at that time and took very few pictures…so it is all just in my memories
love the way this photo shows the change from dry to forested to mountains.. yes, Oregon is an amazing place..
Dmitrii — your comments on organizational claustrophobia are spot on! The pic captures the essence of your message. It so sums up what is some of the best about being American. Glad you came. We’re all better for having you arrive.
thanks 🙂
Great that you changed your life to better suit the person that you are, that genuine self that we often don’t recognize or can’t recognize due to ‘life’ constraints. I think that is why you are able to capture meaningful photos. Great shot!
I have family in Oregon so, occasionally I do travel there. I agree with you about the environment. What a beautifully diverse state. I love this photo.
I live on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon and I never get tired of seeing the mountains. On a clear day we can see Mt. Hood which is about 100 miles away.
Wide open places like this always make me think of two words – “big sky.”
Such a beautiful view of Mt. Hood!!
Really enjoyed this post (always love your fotos); especially what you say about open spaces inspiring panic. Maybe this is related to what the early white/Anglo settlers felt as they moved Westward from the East Coast of the US. Maybe they didn’t know what to do with so much space. Also interesting about the change in landscape from Western to Eastern Oregon; crossing the Cascades, right? You can see similar changes in California, where I live: around the Sierra Nevada mountains, and also farther north, near the OR border. Was curious about where in Russia you’re from – I have family in Kaluga. Keep up the good work.
yep, crossing Cascades. It is one thing to see it on TV or read and another to experience it yourself. Very cool. btw, I grew up in Kazakhstan.
great post! I personally feel claustrophobic in places that are dusty- i can feel it in my hair and lungs and skin, my nightmare profession: chimney sweep:)
getting into a chimney would be a nightmare, agreed, not just becaouse it is dirty but for it narrow long geometry
thanks all for comments, I think pretty much everyone have an affection for Oregon. Nice area.
I love open wide landscapes like this too, they meke me feel free and happy. Even in small Denmark I find wide open landscapes! But I’ll never forget many of my experiences around the world in larger coutries like America, Australia, Tibet, China – or New Zealand.
I have never seen Mt. Hood – wish I will – what a beautiful Mountain!
Great photo! Being born and raised by the ocean I still feel a bit claustrophobic about living inland…in the “green prison”, with no proper horizon.
We have views like that here in Australia, you have to travel a fair way into the centre to get them. I haven’t done that yet, but hope to in the near future. YOur image makes me want to do it more. Great shot.
Mountains are particularly dramatic when shown against a foreground that is much different from themselves. I like the unexpected juxtaposition of dry grass and snowy peak which you show here.
Nice shot! Mt Hood and Mt Rainier make great models, weather permitting. 🙂 Brings back memories. Cheers!
love layers of radically different colours which takes your eye all the way to the pot of gold Mt Hood
I know what you mean about Claustrophobia, only, I didn’t realize it until I moved to the U.S. from the Philippines. 🙂 Beautiful shot btw!
Ah Mt. Hood….one of my favorite subjects when the weather cooperates, which it is not this week. I’m glad you’ve been able to visit our wonderful state. And thanks also for visiting Hickson Images.