Almost exactly 2 months from our last attempt, we hiked up Mt St Helens on a clear blue sky Friday. Besides the sunny blue
sky this time, we were able to go on the summer route. It would save us 4 miles in total.
Going through the forest was a total different experience. We can still see some snow, but much less than it had 2 months ago.
We got to the tree line uneventually, and started our "real" climbing. Surrounded by loose rocks and boulders, we scarmbled up about
3000 feet elevation. The open view from the trail up was breathtaking. We can Mt Hood to the South, and Mt Adams to the east.
As the morning sun rose, we pushed ourselves up higher to about 7600 ft to have a long break. From there, we can see that we only have
500 feet elevation to go. We saw that wind was picking up, swirling up sand at the top. We rested and pushed on to the top.
It was definitely a view to die for. A 360° view will include Mt Raininer to the north, the lava dome and glacier of Mt St Helens, Mt Adams
to the east, and Mt Hood to the south. If you didnt notice, all the high peaks are the volcanoes of the Cascades.
We enjoyed our 25 mins at the summit. However with the mini sand tornadoes wiping through at the summit, we decided to head down as fast
as we can. The most fun of the day was the first 1500 feet down, it was easy strolling downhill with soft sand. And as soon as we got down
to the boulders scrambling part of the trail, we have broken the slowest record of going 2 miles downhill.
After all, it was an exceptionally beautiful trip.
Our St Helens crew ... this time ...
Do anyone know where we supposed to go ?
Told you, you can fly here ...
Gotta pay to go up ... no free rides !
Just above tree line ..
Starting our ever ending scrambling part ...
Looking South, that is Mt Hood.
Hello buddy, ...!
Never enough to stop for pictures
Are you serious ? (Photo taken by Susan).
Last bit of shade that we can hide from the sun.
Unlimited view to the South.
Hi peekapoooooo. (Photo taken by Susan)
That is Mt Adams to the East.
So far , we have done about 3000 ft elevation.
1500 feet to go ...
Yes, we are indeed on a volcano.
Still a bit of snow left ....wow.
500 feet to go ....
No, it is not the top yet, .. just resting here for the last push.
How come we dont get sick of blue sky ?
The last 500 feet to the summit.
Rest and picture time ...
Adams again .....
Crap, .. it is a bomber plane ... (Photo taken by Susan).
Last 30 feet (Photo taken by Susan).
Summit of St Helens!!!.
Lava dome of St Helens, covered by a glacier (Photo taken by Susan).
We appreciated we got up here in such a nice day!
8100 feet elevation at where we rest at the summit.
Crater rim .... of St Helens
Yes, buddy you made it ....
I am on top of St Helens ....
"Me too", said Amit. (Photo taken by Susan).
'Me too', said Heather.
The true summit, technically another 50 feet higher.
All of us (Heather, Ken, Amit, Susan and Konstantaine) made it up here.
Mt Rainier to the North, one day we will climb it.
Me and Mt Adams. (Photo taken by Susan)
Susan is resting .... she looks happy!
Yah .....
Crater of Mt St Helens ...
The St Helens crew ....KHKAS
Hm ... coming down through these is not fun at all.
Got to enjoy a bit of sliding ....
After all, I think we are just sick of these scrambling downhill stuff.
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