The view to Mt. St. Helens

I was determined we see Mt. St. Helens even if we didn't see it. We hoped the 50-something-miles uphill to the Johnston Observatory would be worth the effort even if we'd find the volcano shrouded in misty clouds.

If not for the helpful insights of the people who worked in the center, especially, Gerry, a forest service volunteer, our experience wouldn't have been all that interesting. I expected the center to be packed with exhibits and media presentations, but it was, in actuality, pretty sparse. We got more information through our conversations with the rangers and Gerry (pictured left.)

There was a large screen film that dramatized the explosion and its terrible aftermath. At the film's conclusion the screen retracts and curtains behind the screen open to reveal giant windows to Mt. St. Helens. The affect is supposed to be very dramatic, but in our case, the view was of: ta-da! Clouds. That got a chuckle from the audience.