Eruptive Anniversary

Today was the 30th anniversary of the big eruption of Mt Saint Helens. As a part of the festivities, all of the visitor's centers were free admission. Wyatt has been begging to go see the volcano up close for ages, we figured this was the best day to enjoy it. Sadly, the weather didn't cooperate, but we had a great time anyway.

Outside the first visitor's center.
Inside the volcano.
The drive up is a little over an hour from our house. Even with the rain and clouds, the views were terrific.
This was the most we saw of Mt Saint Helens all day, the very base of her snowy feet.
Up closer to the blast area, there is still very little vegetation.
Johnston Ridge Observatory is the biggest of the visitor's centers. It's almost directly north of the volcano on the next ridge.
Being such a big day, there was media coverage from most major news stations between Portland and Seattle.
Inside the observatory there were lots of interesting exhibits, talks and videos.
Outside, looking towards Mt Saint Helens.
On our walk back down to the car, we found this little guy in the trail. He's a mini for our Rough Skinned Newt, Sausage. We rescued him from being trampled and put him safely into the surrounding brush, though the kids desperately tried to convince us to take him home as a new friend for Sausage.
On the way home Wyatt says, "Thank you for taking us to Mt Saint Helens to see everything. I had fun even though we didn't get to see it." I so love my boy.