Today we are venturing to Mt. St. Helens with a stop along the way up to a gift shop. When I was here in 2012 Lauri and I made a stop to view this majestic sight on our way back from Portland, OR. We had a great time driving up to Johnston Observatory - beautiful scenery with the winding roads and lots of dizzy trees. Now both of our husbands will be able to see the same as we did. Michael journeyed here years ago and fondly reflected upon his trip as he talked about it with us.
Our first stop, however, was the gift shop. This shop was more than simply souvenirs for the enthusiastic traveler. Anyone who knows my husband, knows of his deep interest and research for the elusive Sasquatch. He's read so many publications and has listened to many radio broadcasts and television shows over the years - it's more than a simple interest for him. All creatures at one time were unknown to man...so what makes it so different for Sasquatch and the non-believers?
This gift shop has photos of that fateful day in May 1980, but it also has artifacts and literature about Sasquatch. And rightfully so since Washington state is one of the main regions for sightings of the elusive creature. The shop now is under new ownership since 2012. The gal running the shop was delighted we stopped in. She took our picture with one of the casts that the public can hold and inspect. She also explained about the case of castings from other sightings, two were from the new owner of the shop.
In the photo above, I am pointing to a casting from the Patterson/Gimlin expedition from October 21, 1967. This cast was donated by Dr. Jeff Meldrum, who is a professor of anatomy and anthropology at Idaho State University. John has read his reports and books on this particular topic.
I was happy to see John's interest piqued in this as it had been waning in the last year due to all of the hype in reality shows that are simply out to make money off this topic or to make fun of it instead of the true research.
Outside of the shop stood a statue of one artist's rendition of the creature. Sadly, the original statue was burned down by someone back in the 1990s. Michael also shares an interest in this creature. Glad these two could finally meet and talk.
Michael and John with Sasquatch
Below are photos of the partially constructed A-frame cabin that was destroyed by the blast on that day in May 1980. These pictures depict the depth of ash, silt and mud that came rumbling down that day and the next.
The below picture shows the outline of the mountain before it blew out and the actual crater it left behind after all was said and done.
The above shows the flow after it blew.
Still making our way up to see the mountain selection of the day, we made another stop at a gift shop for more souvenirs we could not live without and to take a couple more photos of this beautiful area.
And here we are - we made it!
Well, Mother Nature cooperated for the most part. Still has a cloud in front of the crater, but at least there is sunshine today to be able to see just a little bit of the snow-covered peak jutting out above the cloud.
The basin of the mountain
To the left in this picture you can see Spirit Lake, if you squint. This lake was occupied by several lodges, including camps of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as the lodge owned by one of the victims of the blast, Harry R. Truman.
Michael and John studying the informational boards.
Taking in the view and all its glory.
Stumps from the devastation
and
Proof of Mother Nature's ability to return in all her glory.
We ended this great day with an awesome burger dinner (Michael had fish and chips) at the restaurant on the resort grounds, lots of storytelling, many laughs between four friends, another game of 99 and fabulous memories made.
Thanks for stopping by!!
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