I spent 2 days in Glacier National Park enjoying the diversity of the area from the low valleys to the high peaks. Many short hikes to various waterfalls were a nice diversion but made me realize I am not as young as i used to be. Between the thin air causing me to work much harder to breath to my knees showing me who's boss I will admit I struggled a bit. Heat has been a factor up until the last couple of days.
From Glacier I went to Mt. Rainier. This place holds a special place in my heart since I was born in its shadow. The weather was crystal clear and showed off the mountain in all her glory. I camped here for 2 nights under majestic firs with 210 of my fellow campers in the national park campground. It was fun to have a chance to explore the area a little bit.
Monday I headed to Mt. St. Helens. I am glad to be a morning person and hit the area by 8:00 am. The views were amazing. The destructive power of the eruption in 1980 is still very evident where the reforestation has not taken hold. I did hike a little here and was rewarded with mushrooms popping out of the ground so I took plenty of pictures of those. Haven't quite figured out what my fasination is with them but.......
Ashleigh and I met up briefly in Portland and will conect again Saturday morning.
I am now driving down 101 along the Pacific. There are amazing views around every turn. The coastal mountains are beautiful but different from the others I have been enjoying. After a rainy and wet night I am happy to be at the Espresso Bar in Brookings, OR.