Enroute to Portland, I had to make a stop at Mt St Helens. When I lived in Oregon, I would visit this spot annually to see the subtle scenery changes, and it's now been more than 15 years since my last look! HISTORY (if needed): The lateral blast of Mt. St. Helens roared on May 18, 1980 destroying 230 square miles of forest, and filling the valley with up to 150 feet of mud, rock and huge pieces of the mountain. It also created over 150 new ponds, lakes and wetlands. Five years after the lakes were formed, "life in the lakes" was already similar to that found in lakes thousands of years old. Since my last visit, the frontal valley continues to look desolate but the surrounding area is amazingly green and lush. I was thrilled to be back.
4 Comments
Eileen
7/30/2015 03:52:32 am
Amazing to see how quickly Mt Saint Helen has bounced back. It has been years since we also visited, but do remember our picnic by the newly created lake with you and Mark.
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Judy
8/3/2015 11:45:07 am
That's so funny! I have no memory of that at all but both you & Mark mentioned that picnic! I must be on overload!
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Barb
7/30/2015 11:13:32 am
Hey Judy -- checking in from Russia.. so far away but love catching up with your latest navigation - I remember my visit to Mt. St .Helens in the 1990s and noticing in the ash tiny signs of renewal w/ a few bugs crawling and some sparse greenery every now and then. Its inspiring now as it was then. Your travels are amazing. If you decide that you can never go home, come visit me.
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Judy
8/3/2015 11:46:50 am
Barb,
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November 2024
AuthorCyclist, writer, teacher, avid reader, bike/ped advocate, nomad, pie lover Categories |