Yearly trip to the volcano.

[Thespian]

 Perfect day! 75 degrees and very little wind kicking up the ash.  

Hand to stop for a shot of MT. Rainier on the way to ST. Helens.





Very smooth road with lots of passing lanes for getting around the sightseers. I only slowed to under 60 mph once.  

A few miles out still.







And at the Johnson Ridge observatory.















Spirit lake, whats left of it.




I was virtually accosted by a officer of the law on my way home.  



Next day was the other volcano up close.








Heading down the East slope to Yakima, the temp jumped 10 degrees.  





Road the canyon again, then Blewett pass to HY 2. and back home. To hot to stop for more photos, + I was making really good time and didn't want to chance getting stuck behind slow traffic. Maybe next time.  

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=bluet+pass&hl=en&ll=47.539455,-121.022644&spn=0.653589,1.674042&safe=off&t=h&z=10

[bscrive]

What was the temp. up in the mountains, where the snow is?

[sheets]

Was up at the Johnston Ridge observatory back in 2001. There was little vegetation at that time. By the looks of your pix very little has changed in eleven years.  Difficult to grasp the magnitude of the power behind the explosion, and miles and miles of deforestation as a result of that event. Nice pix! 

[Thespian]

 Your in the shade allot on the way up HY 410 out of Enumclaw, and at times it felt like 45 to 50. near the top even with the snow it was mid 60s on the west side. It was in the 90, through the canyon.  



The lava dome changes more than the level of vegetation that's for sure.



but it is coming back in places.

[Gary]

Beautiful shots, looks like a great, soothing ride.

Appreciate you sharing your ride. 

[Popeye]

Beautiful shots, looks like a great, soothing ride.

Appreciate you sharing your ride. 

+1

[Tundra]

Beautiful pics
 I was stationed in Seatle in 1980-1982 while a young man in the U.S.Coast Guard. I used to enjoy getting away to the scenic outdoors that Washington State offers. Looks like not much has changed.
Thanks for sharing

[Thespian]

 Our season can be short, but we do have some great roads. 

[Varmintmist]

Did some time for the Corps on Whidbey Island, I can still pronounce most of the names .
Spent most of my outdoor wandering on Baker and Snoqualmie skiing, and Baker hunting.

[hotglue #43]

Great pics!!!!!! thanks!

The folks around Mt. St. Helens know  their ash's from a hole in the ground....

[olddog1946]

Now this is typical, I was stationed in Othello, Wa. 65-68, again 69-71, then Neah Bay 86-88, retired to Moses Lake, 88 til now...and I've never been to see Mt. St Helens...looks like and enjoyable ride, except for the cold (hate the cold).. I'm going to have to put this on my bucket list.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for the report.

I would kill for some snow to ride thru/around about now.

If it snowed at my house today, I'd get a lawn chair and sit out in it in the buff.

It did finally rain last night, and we actually got to the 70's..... 

[Thespian]

Now this is typical, I was stationed in Othello, Wa. 65-68, again 69-71, then Neah Bay 86-88, retired to Moses Lake, 88 til now...and I've never been to see Mt. St Helens...looks like and enjoyable ride, except for the cold (hate the cold).. I'm going to have to put this on my bucket list.

You should do it next weekend if the weather holds. EZ two day trip. Take HY 12 it's a lower pass, no snow there, or at ST Helen.

[Thespian]

Thanks for the report.

I would kill for some snow to ride thru/around about now.

If it snowed at my house today, I'd get a lawn chair and sit out in it in the buff.

It did finally rain last night, and we actually got to the 70's..... 

Yea, I have been talking to relatives I have back east, and was hoping the photos would conjure happy thoughts not sad. Relief is coming. 

In the morning I head out to ride the north cascade Hy, Photos coming soon! 

[98 T]

Nice report... I love mountain pictures with motorcycles in the shot!!

Reminds me of Mount Evans at InZane 6....

Keep the reports coming!!