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| Mount Konochti and Clear Lake |
Native American lore states
that Mount Konochti in northern California has magical powers. Descendants of
one tribe believe the spirit of one of their ancient chiefs dwells within this mountain.
Some still believe this mountain
can predict the future.
Centuries ago, the Pomo Indians lived on one of
the islands in Clear Lake—which sits at the base of Mount Konochti.
According to the legend . . .
According to the legend . . .
The tribe’s wise chief,
Konochti, had a lovely young daughter, Lupiyomi.
A rival chief from a
neighboring tribe, Kahbel, approached Konochti and asked for Lupiyomi’s hand in
marriage. Konochti refused. He felt the two were not compatible.
He knew they had been meeting
on the sly but physical attraction was not enough. He felt since they came from different tribes they had different
values, which would not bode well for a union.
Kahbel left, angry. Driven by
his pride and lust he returned one night and kidnapped Lupiyomi. It is said he
used his magical powers to build a causeway to the island were Lupiyomi lived.
This narrow strip of land
cuts Clear Lake in half. It can still be seen and is known as the Narrows.
Konochti gathered his men
together and fought Kahbel and his men on the Narrows. Both chiefs having
magical powers hurled huge boulders at each other. These large rocks are
littered across the slopes of Mount Konochti today.
Chief Konochti managed to
kill Chief Kahbel but he did not walk away unscathed. He was mortally wounded
and died.
The lore states the spirits
then transformed Konochti’s, as he was dying, into the 4200-foot high mountain
that bears his name. This is a common theme in Native American tales—powerful spirits
are said to remain as notable landmarks.
Since, the belief is that
Chief Konochti gives advise to lovers about the future of their relationships.
Hopeful couples, for years
have stood along the shores of Clear Lake and looked toward this mountain. They
then ask the chief if their relationship will last.
They always receive an answer
within 24 hours. If the sun shines on the mountain the next day, Chief Konochti
approves their relationship but if a fog or mist covers the peak, the couple
should step back and think about their decision.
If storm clouds appear over
the mountain, the couple is not meant to be together so they should pursue other relationships.
Most drastic of all is if one
of the large boulders that remain dislodges and tumbles down the slope, this
means the relationship will end in a murder.
Of course, this is just a
legend but a running joke is some couples regret they did not heed Chief
Konochti’s warning.
For the last 150 years, most
of the land around Mount Konochti—which is a dormant volcano-- was owned privately.
Recently, Lake County purchased some of the land, plus the highest peak. They
plan to develop a public park.
