Mt. Bonnell on a Personal Level

Oftentimes life presents us with the confrontational- thoughts, actions, and events usually serve as divisive,  if not inflammatory, subject material. However, a subtle nature of passivity serves as a striking element incorporated into the landscape at Mt. Bonnell. The landscape commands a level of passive respect that translates to subdued behavior from all individuals at the site. This respect manifests itself in both person-person and person-nature relationships. The beauty and vastness of the surrounding landscape serves to put minute actions into a larger frame of reference, which in turn fosters an inclination to share and respect. 

On a grand scale, Mt. Bonnell is about observing, not doing. Sure, there is a bit of a hike that requires visitors to be active on the way to the summit. Yet once at the pinnacle, people appear to become instantly passive. Their gait slows. They look around more. They share thoughts with their companions. As it relates to gender, personal identities appear rather neutral on Mt. Bonnell. Men seem to be inclined to reach the edge first, yet in the absence of traditional chores or duties the individuals experiencing the landscape can be equal. Little masculinity or femininity can be derived from the simple act of observation. 

The interaction on Mt. Bonnell seems personal and introspective, as opposed to purely gender based. The absence of task-based life surely promotes an increased gender neutral atmosphere. People can relax and enjoy another's company rather than engage in stiff, "proper" interaction. Reflection, it seems, creates a passive environment through which to explore nature and personal feelings on a deeper level, and gender roles are often forgotten in this reflection.