August 25 @ 2:41 pm
I took Friday off and my daughter Lindsey and I drove down to Mount St. Helens. I’ve been to the east side of the mountain many times but this is the first time I’ve ever visited the west side. It’s a beautiful drive, I highly recommend it!
Windy Ridge on the east side is physical closer to Mount St. Helens but you can’t really see the crater well from there. On the west side, Johnston Ridge is perfectly positioned for a dramatic view of the lava dome and the steam rising out of the crater. The visitor center at the Johnston Ridge Observatory contains a lot of information about the mountain and the May 18, 1980 eruption.
We had a great drive down. I stopped at most of the frequent scenic overlooks to take photos as we went. Being a weekday, the traffic was pretty light. I imagine things get busier on the weekend. On the way back, we stopped for dinner at 19 Mile House in Kid Valley, WA. This little restaurant and gift shop features a spectacular view and fantastic home-made cobbler!
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August 25 @ 6:31 pm
Ok that took too long for this one photo to load. I’ll wait til Monday to log on to flickr when I’m at work. This is BEAUTIFUL, Mike. Just gorgeous! I’m glad the weather was so perfect.
M~
August 25 @ 8:01 pm
What a gorgeous photograph
August 26 @ 12:41 pm
I love the bridging the gap shot esp.
But they shouldn’t let little red ants crawl all over the overview map. Really strange.
~S
August 27 @ 8:08 am
I heven’t been down that way for quite a while. It is a very nive drive. And the information center is fascinating. Got to go down there soon.
August 27 @ 1:35 pm
What a beautiful shot! You’re a gread dad taking your kids on road trips and such…very cool.
Heading over to flickr to see the rest..
Stacie
August 28 @ 5:58 am
That is gorgeous!
Now I want some cobbler, dammit.
August 30 @ 2:51 pm
So Mike, got plans for when I come??? I’m so excited, I’ve barely been able to sleep! LMAO
August 31 @ 12:27 pm
I am sad you have not written about the adventure to my parents house! Speaking of that when Melissa comes out here I have next week off so I could go touring with you… wink wink nudge nudge!
Lots of Love
Cousen Kati
September 1 @ 4:29 am
Lol…another one, what is it with us middle aged bikers!? I been doing it all my life but it’s way better once you know that should it all go ‘horribly wrong’ they can’t say it was because we were way too inexperienced on way too powerful machines! ;o)