How many of you can actually say they have stood above the clouds? I'm one of the lucky ones that can say they have. I used to travel a lot when I was younger. But my favorite trip of them all was when I went to Seattle, Washington to climb Mount Saint Helens. Mount Saint Helens is located in Washington State and is part of the cascade Range in the Northwest United States. It is one of the youngest and most active volcanos in the world. After remaining dormant for 123 years, the volcano first began erupting on May 18, 1980. It caused destruction in a 230 square mile radius. 57 people were killed; 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railroads, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed. It was not only the deadliest but the most destructive volcanic eruption ever in the US.
But even knowing all of that I still climbed to the top. It was the most spectacular view that I have ever saw. The summit of Mt. Saint Helen's stands about 8,365 feet above sea level now but before it erupted it was another 1,500 feet higher. The eruption destroyed the whole north side of the mountian leaving a huge crater.
At the summit you can actually look down into the volcano and see where it is trying to rebuild itself. The volcano is not the only thing trying to rebulid itself, the forest and the surrounding wildlife are trying to get back on its feet. The eruption destoryed everything around it. When I was there trees were half green and half dead, animals were scarce because they don't have anywhere to stay, and Spirit Lake was still covered in debree. I think it's crazy that things haven't fully recovered in 28 years.
From the experience that I had when I was there, I highly recommend taking a weekend trip to climb Mt. Saint Helens. I probably had the time of my life.
How many of you can actually say they have stood above the clouds? I'm one of the lucky ones that can say they have. I used to travel a lot when I was younger. But my favorite trip of them all was when I went to Seattle, Washington to climb Mount Saint Helens. Mount Saint Helens is located in Washington State and is part of the cascade Range in the Northwest United States. It is one of the youngest and most active volcanos in the world. After remaining dormant for 123 years, the volcano first began erupting on May 18, 1980. It caused destruction in a 230 square mile radius. 57 people were killed; 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railroads, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed. It was not only the deadliest but the most destructive volcanic eruption ever in the US.
