Day Eight

Today was about one thing and one thing only.

We didn't rush about in the morning as we only had the one thing to do.

Ate breakfast in our room. Ann had to locate a hair dryer and then we headed out just after 11am.

Now we are staying at the Mount St Helens Motel, named because it is close to Mount St Helens. Close in this case is fifty miles away. I knew it wasn't right next to it, but I thought it was about twenty miles away.

Anyways we drove the only road from this side for over an hour to get there. Crossed some very high bridges and rose up through the hills. Went round one corner and, bang, there it was, an active volcano. At this point we were still about ten miles away from our destination, but eventually we got there. It is hard to concentrate on the road when you can see a volcano.

We parked up and wandered over to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.

http://www.mshslc.org/visit-msh/west-side/johnston-ridge-observatory-2/

As we were entering, a family were amazed to find it cost $8 each to go in. They were debating whether to go in or not. It is a volcano, of course you pay. We went in, looked around the exhibits and then watched a 15 minute film about the 1980 eruption. Bought the obligatory fridge magnet and then we headed out to the observation area to take a gander.

We took a fair few pictures just to make sure we got one that was decent. The air was quite hazy, so the camera struggled to pick it up clearly. We couldn't work out why it was so bad but later found out it is to do with the forest fires in the region, so air quality is not great.

I can show you with two photographs, one original and one that I have used Photoshop on to try and get some clarity.

Original

Slightly altered

We hung up there for some time before getting too hot. Saw a someone flying a drone, presumably to get some stunning shots. Presume they didn't realise the volcano is still about four miles away so their flying didn't last long.

Got a drink and then headed back to the car. Made our way down, stopping at various viewpoints. One was a spot to look at the highest of the bridges, the only problem being was that the tree growth was so high you could no longer see the bridge.

Stopped here for lunch on the way down.

http://fmgrill.com/#

It was quite expensive but tasted ok. I had a proper burger, Ann had some namby pamby vegetarian one. Got asked where we were from, but this time the person asking had some comprehension of Geography.

We then headed back to the motel where we have been since. Not much else to do around here. Did try and find something interesting to do, but not much luck. Ate cereal for dinner. Ready to hit Seattle tomorrow.

States visited - 6

Volcanoes seen - 1