A few months back my friend Jeff contacted me about joining a group he was organizing (most of them from St. Louis, MO) to climb Mt. St. Helens. AH and I jumped at the chance to join in. Previously I have climbed this mountain 5 times, though the last time was over 13 years ago, and I was eager to see how the landscape had changed. For AH it was the final mountain that he needed to summit for him to be able to say that he has climbed all the volcanic peaks in Washington (I tease him that he saved the easiest for last).
We met up on Thursday night with Jeff and his group for a late dinner at my favorite pizza parlor (Pizza Pete's) in Castle Rock, WA. It was fun to finally meet everyone and get a sense of who they were and a better sense of their fun personalities. It was a really outstanding group of people.
Friday morning we headed out a little later than intended but it worked out to our advantage. During the night a bit of clouds and rain came in and it took most of the morning to burn off. We came across several groups of climbers along the trail who had turned back before reaching the top because it was incredibly cold, windy and the visibility was very poor (due to the heavy clouds in the AM).
The Fearless Climbers
(now we just have to climb 5,000 feet in 5 miles)
My friend Jeff.
AH and I at the base of the boulder field we would be climbing.
Me at the beginning of the boulders (I already need a break!).
The long trek though the boulders.
Mid-way up the boulder field the clouds started to disperse and a view of the valley below is becoming visible.
AH and Brad taking a quick break (at this point our group had broken into two - we wouldn't end up really seeing the others the rest of the climb).
AH and I in the clouds.
There is something magical about looking round and seeing that you are high above the clouds.
The last section is made up of sand and ash. It was not as bad as I remember but still a tough section to complete with a very steep incline.
From the top looking back to what we had just accomplished. I love this view!
The new dome of the mountain is much larger/higher than my last visit.
Looking to the right of the new dome (Mt. Rainier in the distance). The steep drop off on the left is where the mountain blew out in 1980.
Looking to the left of the new dome.
AH and I - see I really did make it.
From the top we could see Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood. We were only able to catch glimpses of Mt. Adams on the descent due to heavy clouds around it most of the day.
A gorgeous view of Spirit Lake and Mt. Rainier.
When you reach the top you a literally standing on the ledge looking down into the new crater dome. It's an amazing feeling seeing the power of nature up close and personal this way.
If only I could have done this the entire way down!
AH on a ledge of the boulders during our descent.
A closer shot.
We made it to the bottom of the boulders. My legs and feet were protesting greatly at this point so I traded my hiking boots for my super comfy tennis shoes for the remaining hike through the trees back to the car (2 miles).
To my disappointment we weren't able to wait for the rest of our group to descend. It was a 4 hour drive home for us and we needed to be on our way to relieve our babysitter near the time I told her that we would be back. I really missed congratulating everyone on completing this tough climb; I would have loved to have heard their perspectives. I am really proud that they all toughed it out and made it to the top - that is quite an accomplishment!
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