I recently had the opportunity to attempt the top of Mount St. Helens. Unfortunately, the snow this past winter was very heavy, lingering longer than usual. The conditions made the hike longer and greatly hindered our efforts. Circumstances beyond my control had us starting the long hike about 9:30 in the morning instead of first light. After hiking all day, sometimes in slippery snow and tough conditions, we had to turn back about a mile from the top. If we kept going, we would have run out of light making our descent very dangerous. Still, it was a beautiful day and very inspiring to be so close to an active volcano.
11:00 AM: still a long way from the top...
The vast terrain of Mount St. Helens
1:00 PM: Mid-hike mini siesta.
View of Mt. Adams near the top of Mt. St. Helens.
Approximately 5 PM: My closest view of the top, so close yet so far!!
(Note the steam rising from the top)
Turning around to go back. A great day of hiking with a bittersweet ending... There's always next time.. (Sigh)
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