Where were you on May 18th, 1980? That's the day that the largest landslide in recorded history occurred, on the north side of Mt. St. Helens, in southwest Washington. Moments after a good chunk of the mountain slid to the north, Mt. St. Helens erupted, with a blast so severe, that it leveled miles and miles of old growth forest. There were a succession of events on that day, a little over 30 years ago, and we learned all about it at the Johnson Ridge Observatory, and visitors center. That's where I took the picture above, approx 5 miles from the crater.
Our day yesterday, was a drive to this last, large volcanic eruption site, in the continental U.S. We've all seen photos, or video of the actual eruption, but to be within 5 miles of the actual explosion, was both awesome, and a little bit intimidating. Your couldn't help but think, that where we stood over 30 years ago, at the Johnson Ridge Observatory, all life was obliterated in a matter of a few seconds. You talk about mother nature at her worst, the devastation was quick, and without prejudice, for anything in the path of the blast.
It was another beautiful day, with temps in the upper 70's, and the drive to Mount St. Helens from our campground was quite scenic. The last several miles of Hwy 504, was all rebuilt after the eruption, with 14 new bridges, one of which was in the background of the picture of the four of us. We stopped for a late lunch on the way back, and thoroughly enjoyed the day with our friends, Everett and Lori.
Where were you on May 18th, 1980? That's the day that the largest landslide in recorded history occurred, on the north side of Mt. St. Helens, in southwest Washington. Moments after a good chunk of the mountain slid to the north, Mt. St. Helens erupted, with a blast so severe, that it leveled miles and miles of old growth forest. There were a succession of events on that day, a little over 30 years ago, and we learned all about it at the Johnson Ridge Observatory, and visitors center. That's where I took the picture above, approx 5 miles from the crater.
Our day yesterday, was a drive to this last, large volcanic eruption site, in the continental U.S. We've all seen photos, or video of the actual eruption, but to be within 5 miles of the actual explosion, was both awesome, and a little bit intimidating. Your couldn't help but think, that where we stood over 30 years ago, at the Johnson Ridge Observatory, all life was obliterated in a matter of a few seconds. You talk about mother nature at her worst, the devastation was quick, and without prejudice, for anything in the path of the blast. 
It was another beautiful day, with temps in the upper 70's, and the drive to Mount St. Helens from our campground was quite scenic. The last several miles of Hwy 504, was all rebuilt after the eruption, with 14 new bridges, one of which was in the background of the picture of the four of us. We stopped for a late lunch on the way back, and thoroughly enjoyed the day with our friends, Everett and Lori.
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