09/18/2025
Once upon a time… (ok, fine, a few weeks ago) I was at a contra dance having a conversation with a friend and someone I had just met. They were talking about plans to wake up early to secure permits for the summit hike at Mt St Helens. The person I’d just met looked over at me and asked if I would want to join them on the hike, then declared they would get three permits, and I could decide at a later date. Well, I never opted out, which is how on Monday I found myself standing atop the crater ledge of a recently (45 years ago) erupted volcano.
Yes, I did bring my camera up the ridiculously steep climb/ scramble/ hike. And yes, I brought two lenses because I have no self-control.
I may or may not have been irked upon reaching the top because the view was incredible, and it made me realize I will keep pushing myself to do hikes that are difficult because the views are worth the effort.
