camping

As I mentioned earlier, Dan and I went on our annual camping trip with friends.  We've gone with the same couple for 15 years or more and every once in awhile another couple will join us.  This year we camped at the foot of Mt. St. Helens - you know, the volcano that blew up in 1980.  Somehow even though it's only a couple hours away, we'd never made it down to see any of the changes or visitor center, etc.  So this year's trip was part relaxing with friends and part educational.

It was drizzling when we arrived at the campground so the first order of business was to cover the picnic table so it didn't get any more wet.  Here are the guys attempting to set up the dining tent.  That's Dan inside the tent being the center pole! (that's what happens when you're tall! :)  And, of course that's me, relaxing with a drink and watching the entertainment.

The state-wide burning ban was lifted so we enjoyed our time around the campfire, played games, read our books, napped, ate and drank and ate some more.  

Intrepid campers. (hikers?!)

Dan took this one of some pod-thing in the water and I love the abstract nature of it.....inspiration for an art work I think.....

Hiked Lava Canyon - Dan on the suspension bridge.  - view from the bridge

The mountain from the Johnstone observatory - you can see the lava dome building in the center of the blown out area; you can see the general path of the monstrous mud slide and after 30 years, you can see the beginning of the return of the plant life.

The observatory has a good 15 minute film about the eruption and at the end, the screen rises and this view is exposed.  Stunning.  If you're ever in the area, it's definitely worth the stop!

Mt. St. Helens.