SHABBAT GRATITUDE~RV Tagged & Long Drive Home

We were up at the crack of dawn; drinking coffee and noshing about this and that, as we shook the cobwebs and felt our bodies waking up and alerting to the excitement of finally being able to get the RV licensed and tagged.

We want to be enjoying the open road by the end of the month :-)

As we were passing through Clatskanie, my phone notified me of an incoming message: I did a double-take … my youngest sister. Hmmm.

Carla's 10 AM text.

It was good to be sharing convo with her … and know that she cares - and is interested in what I am doing. Holland was glad to see that at least one member of my family is reaching out to me: we don't talk that often; our life goals, and lifestyles, are so different.

But Carla is at least trying. It was a good start to this dawning Shabbat.

I am grateful.

We reached the Astoria DMV, and Holland went inside to get the transaction completed while I opted to stay in the 4x Beast with Bleu (we can't roll the windows down yet, until the shading film completely dries: Monday). He wasn't inside very long before he came back out to the truck and said, "We still can't get tagged." I just looked at him, speechless for a moment, before I said, "Why? We've jumped through all the hoops - what could they possibly be bitching about, now?" He said, "They said we couldn't get licensed because of this guy's name on the Title (he sowed me the name of the fella that sold us the RV), and that we need to contact him and have him sign a power of attorney waiver … and we need an odometer reading."

I counted to 10. Then I said, "This is utter bullshit. These people do not know what they are doing - or what they are talking about. We do not need a 'power of attorney';  - we do not need 'an odometer reading': we OWN the RV, and it WAS Licensed BY OREGON last week - it is AN RV … not a freaking car, or truck. I'm going inside, and they are going to stop this nonsense."

My eyes were shooting fire.

Holland said, "It won't do any good Baby; they won't listen to you. We'll just have to get ahold of the people in West Virginia that we bought the 5th Wheel from, and get a license plate from them - then get it tagged that way."

I said, "No - this run-around, is ridiculous. I am going inside here … and they are going to license and tag us here." Then, I looked up a the sky, and said, "God help me, because I am about to shake some teeth loose. Go before me and prepare a way of peace because I have fire in my eyes, and a storm brewing to set it loose. I am tired of all this jerking around nonsense. We've jumped through all the loops, and one way, or another, we are going home today with a license plate, and tags!"

I called Tina at PKB RV's in West Virginia and asked her a few questions that may help us with the Oregon process - she was as confused as us, but said she'd do what she could do to help us. She would call the Astoria DMV personally and walk them through the process they obviously are clueless about: the RV Dealer's Name was not the issue, the people working at Astoria's DMV were.

I gave the process between there and here about 20 minutes before opening the truck door. Holland said, "I'll go with you; a little while Bleu will be okay for." I'm sure he was thinking the fire sparking in my eyes would set the place on fire ;-)

We had a 30 minute wait before our number was called.

And Elohim was faithful - He prepared the way, and I did not have to unleash the fiery storm. The process was finally completed (our documents were accepted, & acknowledged paperwork was filed/stamped), and we left with license plate and tags ;-) 

I marched into that DMV Office with a storm brewing in my determined eyes …

My Guardian Angel's mindset. LOL

We were going to be coming home licensed & TAGGED, come Hell or high water; I pulled up the {needed} document and showed it to the clueless woman.

Cages were rattled from both ends (West Virginia; and me standing in front of her with eyes aflame)… and the deed was D.O.N.E. - with NO MORE nonsense.

We ate lunch at Astoria's DQ, down the road from the DMV; backtracked to the Astoria Column … then drove the long way home, over the back road that would drop us in Clatskanie - behind the Safeway Store.

This was a gift to me: love in action.

Holland had not seen the Astor Column - so we backtracked to it.

Astoria Column-OR: (1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103; https://astoriacolumn.org/)

Located in Astoria, Oregon, the 125-foot-tall Astoria Column serves as a monument to the history Pacific Northwest. The idea for the column first came about in 1898 when the city thought to build an electrified tower that would rival the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The column overlooks Astoria, and the Columbia River. Its observation platform offers a panoramic view for the many visitors who climb the 164 steps of its winding staircase.

Overlooking the Astoria-Megler Bridge, Astoria, ect.

Saddle Mountain, in the distance.

Saddle Mountain-OR:

(https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=140)

I had warned Holland beforehand that the road was 'very snaky in places', and he was game to drive it.

I pointed out various elk sighting places; Fish Hawk Falls, I like to visit once a year; and places I normally pull over to explore along the route.

I like country backroads; I like enjoying those scenic rides with my husband. But towards the end of that long winding road, he was looking a bit green around the gills, due to the medication he takes. I pointed out the speed limit sign and said, "We're almost off this road - you should see Safeway Store around that next corner." He said, "Praise the Lord". And I burst out laughing because the relief in his tone as so obvious.

Holland is a good husband to me. Every day, I am grateful.

He is a good man~he is a good husband for me :-)

I am highly favored, and greatly blessed.

I am grateful.

As the sun begins to set, we are grateful to embrace the Shabbat Rest.

BLESSED SABBATH/COUNTDOWN TIME

This has been a busy weekend.

This has been a blessed weekend.

The house sale cleared Wednesday afternoon, and escrow was in full swing Thursday afternoon.

THURSDAY; escrow process is started.

Friday morning found me loading the back of the Highlander up again, and divvying up some things among my gal pals

Headed to my last Graysriver Sleuth Sisters; with gifts; Flower Pots for Linda; Silk Flowers & twig wreaths for Ramona; Terra Cotta Pots & Craft Ribbons for Becky.

A happy, yet bittersweet 'Goodbye WA!'

New experiences on the horizon.

The South is calling … Texas, in particular.

I intend to go full cowgirl. LOL

I'm already gone.

On my way home from Ramona's, I was excited to be getting back home - I never felt that way before Holland came into my life: since December 14th of 2018, I put off coming home as long in the day as I safely could. Then, I just came home long enough to fall into bed and repeat the process all over again the next morning. But since Holland and I married January 7th of this year, coming home feels good. Knowing there is someone at home that loves me, and looks forward to seeing me; makes my heart happy.

Holland is good for me. We share the same goals. Our mindset is similar - most often in sync. Our purpose parallels. Our life vision lines up.  We like being together. We laugh a lot together.

Holland is good for me.

Holland is my Home.

I can't wait to get home now :-)

Since we got happy news Wednesday, we've ramped up looking for a Coach we can personalize, and make our Home. We kicked around the idea of trading in both our vehicles on a new one … but circled back around to selling the pickup and keeping the Highlander to tow behind the coach; so, our total length will be 60 feet long (with tow vehicle) x 18 feet tall. And I will learn to drive the coach with vehicle in tow.

And we will avoid calimexarabia all together. Holland has pretty strong opinions about the place - and since it has embraced barack hussain obama as god and boasts being a gang and terrorist hangout, I'm in agreement with avoiding it.

I'm also in agreement about Texas ;-)

I've never been there, but I am curious. And I like Governor Abbott.

Holland is excited to be going back to Texas.

Holland making clear that calimexarabia will be avoided at ALL COSTS.

calimexarabia had it's moment in our life - and that blip was IT.

Reno is a repeat.

I'm proud of Holland: he is getting comfortable with the camera trained on him :-)

This afternoon we had an appointment downtown; so while we were out and about, we checked into a few things we are considering for our new lifestyle - it's happening.

Even though we can't do a whole lot until the $$$$ crosses our palms, it's countdown time:

Checked out a mini freezer at Manchester's, downtown.

And an electric bed - we WILL find a way to incorporate this into our motorhome.

Also checking into  flexible solar panels for the motorhome.

We are also researching best internet and cell server for our road gypsy lifestyle; we'll basically be {homeless} with no rooted address. We know living a full-time RV lifestyle can be done (we've both done that throughout the years) … we just have to tap into wise decisions while we set out to enjoy our freewheeling life ;-)

SHABBAT

I’ve spent the past week in a busy whirl between home and family dustups; the busy whirl at home was to get my home ready for company … and I was really looking forward to that – no one has been inside my house for a lengthy visit since the covid lockdowns that scared everyone into staying away ☹ But family dustup dramas found me canceling the get together with gal pals, to try to mediate peace amongst the family brats members.

The dustup is still not settled; but my house is cleared of clutter, and ready to ride the Fall and Winter out in relative tidiness 😉

And I’m finding myself easing back into gentle home routines I have let slide since widowhood, and the busy need to rebuild an entire new life. This Fall, it has actually been pleasurable to let my days unfold gently; and I’ve even caught myself more than once, soaking up the quiet and comforting homey vibes I’ve been avoiding for the past three years.

Things are flowing easier, and I have friendships – local, and spanning two other Counties – that have taken root, and are prospering quite nicely.

Elohei has been very good to me 😊

While I was in town earlier this week, I saw (and bought) a bottle of Mogen David Concord Wine. It’s a very sweet kosher red wine. I bought it because I wanted something different – and also because it was a wine that was always in my parent’s home every Friday evening. When Bob and I were dating (and even after we married), and were out on the town shooting pool on Friday evenings … I’d always order a glass of Mogen David wine. Bob would grimace and ask me ‘why do you want that?’; and I always answered, “My parents always drank it on Fridays.” There were other signs that pointed to our Jewish roots such as special Friday meals, and the burning of Friday night candles – but I didn’t really know until well into my 30’s that both parents have a Jewish branch in their family genealogy records: Ashkenazi on one side, and Sephardic, on the other.

Anyway, I bought the wine and am drinking a goblet tonight 😉

I admit it’s an acquired taste: it’s very sweet.

There is nothing special about Shabbat wine, other than it is a sanctified symbol of joy and relaxation; so, sipping my small goblet of wine is a reminder to me, to always find a way to savor joy – and always find reasons for gratitude each week.

On Shabbat, we have the opportunity to appreciate the many blessings and wonderful people in our life.

On Shabbat, we also take the time to reflect on Elohim’s goodness towards us – as we think about the things of this past week, we’re leaving behind … and those things we look forward to, in the week to come.

So, tonight as I listen to the rainfall kick off the Fall Season here in the PNW, I am thankful I am adopted into the Family of God. I am grateful for all the blessings Elohim has showered me with. I am going to enjoy reading a new read … knit some love into a new baby item … and slowly enjoy my sweet wine. These small pleasures bring such a lot of joy into my days, and finish the week very nicely 😊

SHABBAT SHALOM!

COZY MYSTERY DAY ~Shabbat

I really look forward to my Friday forays to the West End to enjoy an afternoon of sleuth sisters’ fun and laughter 😊

I was up bright and early this morning, chomping at the bit to ‘git up and go!’ And I went bearing gifts – I wanted to make sure the girls got them before the crazy weather halts our get-togethers until Spring 2023 😉

I better get the outside faucet covers on, tomorrow morning; wet and muggy. Ugh! ☹

Bearing gifts ... 4 ct. Christmas Cactuses; egg carton tipped to keep the plants from sliding and breaking; they've grown nicely from the short clipping starts.

Heron Pointe to Bradley Trailhead, crest of Beaver Creek Rd.; 25 mins via Ocean Beach Hwy & Beaver Creek Road.

Bradley Trailhead to Graysriver-WA; 32 mins via Bever Creek Rd., Elochoman Valley Road, & Ocean Beach Hwy. Hwy: it rained off & on, from Longview to the KM; light misting rainfall in Graysriver.

Baker’s Corner Deli was closed when I left Longview … and my stomach was growling when I passed through Skamokawa: I planned on stopping at the Rosburg Store and grabbing a quick corndog, before pulling in at Ramona’s in Graysriver …

My stomach was polite enough not to make angry, rude noises through the first sleuthing episode; and Becky’s homemade pizza was worth the wait! They could have passed for pizzeria pizzas – they looked identical, but tasted a whole lot better 😊

Closed! WTH ... why are all the Deli’s closing on the freaking weekend during daylight hours???

Let the sleuthing begin. LOL

Becky's killer homemade pizza! YUM!!

The day was very enjoyable.

The pizza was a great treat.

The drive back home was peaceful, & relaxing.

Graysriver to Heron Pointe; 45 mins via Ocean Beach Hwy.

And this rainy Shabbat Evening will be infused with the warmth of Elohim’s Friendship Blessing.

Feeling the love ... these gals are great; I'm glad Elohim put them in my life.

It is good to be a Daughter of the Most-High God 😊

BOB'S MOUNTAIN ~Shabbat Mt. St. Helens Outing

Saturday, I woke up to a dry street, so I thought I’d go for a short hike along the Pacific Way Trail during the lull in rain showers; my first choice for shoes was soft-soled tennis shoes. Before I walked out the door, I exchanged those for my heavier hiking shoes in case I decided to push the envelope and walk the entire 4-mile hike instead of the shorter walk.

Going hiking ...

With backpack purse instead of my fanny pack.

I had no idea just how far I would end up going 😉

I need to distance myself from the sad side of life, for a while.

There's an encouraging bright spot in those heavy, gray clouds.

Death is oppressive - I want to leave it behind for a few hours.

Before leaving town, I called my BIL Kerry, and asked how the weather was topside (aka weather report) – and of course, I asked how Bobby (his red Lab, named after Bob) was doing. Kerry lives on the mountain, and I trust his weather reports 😊

I had to distance myself from the constant non-stop turmoil of live unfolding: my personal life is doing well, but my friends are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff lately … and I’m sick of hearing the radio talking heads churning out {news} designed to confuse and depress the masses.

So, Saturday, I took some time for myself; away from all of it to soothe my spirit and relax my body. I muted the phone and flicked radio off.

Nothing was going to stop me from finding peaceful moments in my day.

Not even that scary Hoffstadt Bridge.

As soon as you leave Toutle, and enter the mountainous area, you can physically feel/smell a different atmosphere – cooler, clearer fresher air; the environment is invigorating to the senses. Your whole being comes alive as your senses pick up on the crispness of the air and the clean smell of the fresh water.

It just really lifts your spirit up.

It’s taken me a loooong time to feel this calmness in this particular place, after the 1980 eruption. It was a dead zone for a couple years – as lifeless and barren as a lunar landscape. Even when animals and plants started showing up to add life to the gray landscape, I never felt comfortable there.

Bob always felt comfortable in this particular region. Bob had history in this corner of the world. I visited it again, for the first time Solo Lobo, in the Fall of 2019 – nine months into widowhood: I did it as a dare to myself. I did it because I knew there was some lingering essence of Bob remaining in that region. I did it because I wanted to know what the {draw} had been for my husband. I know what drew him back time and time again before the eruption … and I spent a lot of time with Bob, on the mountain, while we dated and after our daughter was born (between Spring of 1984 and Summer of 1980). But after May 1980 forever changed the region, I never understood the fascination. I’ve never had a long-lasting love affair with Mt. St. Helens as I have with Mt. Rainer.

Mt. St. Helens was Bob’s mountain. It was under his skin.

I visit the region at least once a year now. And I’m learning to be comfortable there. I can honestly state that visiting that region has been a healing comfort to my spirit following my husband’s physical death: there are memories of Bob, there. Going back is also a growing and strengthening experience as it stretches me to go beyond what I experienced last time I visited.

I still hate driving over the Hoffstadt Bridge … but I am doing it; that is a major accomplishment. I have done things in that region, that I never did with Bob – there is a bittersweet achievement in those capabilities.

And it’s closer to home. With soaring gas prices that don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, staying local is a plus when the need to escape prods me into action.

Kerry's weather report was encouraging.

biden cartel ditches covid testing for people entering America:

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/10/u-s-ditches-negative-covid-test-for-international-visitors-00038800

Hoffstadt Bridge; the longest minute of my life.

Hoffstadt Bridge:

(http://www.highestbridges.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hoffstadt_Creek_Bridge)

Mt. St. Helen’s Visitor Center:(https://www.parks.wa.gov/245/Mount-St-Helens)

WA State's 'Banana Slug'.

Banana Slug:

(https://www.richleighton.com/pacific-banana-slug/)

Big Foot is WA State's 'legendary icon'.

Sorry ... but chocolate dipped peanuts passing for exotic poop is not on MY menu.

Big Foot items takes up a huge portion of any Gift Shop in WA.

An Abominable Snowman Big Foot plushie.

I am not immune to the Bigfoot fever, either. LOL

Full-size realistic metal Elk Sculpture outside Gift Shop.

Leaving the Visitor’s Center past Hofstatt Bridge, and crossing over Bear Creek, you’re in bear country – actually, all of this area is bear country; but the bridge over the creek literally advertises bear country.

When I see remnants of old logging sites (and the Red Zone area) that are slowly being reclaimed by wilderness & forest, again, I think of Bob logging both areas. So, some essence of Bob still lingers here. And I’m pretty sure he’s still keeping this area in his visitation itinerary during his cloud ride flyby’s 😉 There’s no doubt about that: Bob loved this mountain. I’ll always consider this mountain as “Bob’s Mountain”.

Mt. St. Helen’s Memorial Highway:(https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=66100)

Bear Creek means what it says ... BEAR COUNTRY.

Driving along, I saw a lake off to the side of Mt. St. Helens flank – and a National Park Placard advertising ‘Castle Lake’ … so I turned into the viewpoint parking lot.

Saturday was not a good day to view the mountain, but any day can be a crap shoot when visiting mountains: mountains make their own weather, and it can change several times in one day depending on the mountain’s whims. Saturday, the lady in question was moody.

This would be a new experience. I’d never been to this spot with Bob. But I knew the name of the lake because Bob talked about it: the logging company Bob had been working for since graduating High School had gotten one of the first salvage logging contracts after the 1980 eruption. Bob was stoked, and he would tell me about the “new lakes” that had been created by the massive eruption that seriously changed the landscape around the mountain-volcano. Castle Lake was one of those new creations. There were others, too, and Bob said that they all were different colors due to the mineral sediments caused by the blast.

I was curious.

Of course, I couldn’t see it up close and personal like Bob did – but I could see where it lay. And I could remember Bob telling me about it.

Mt. St. Helens in the clouds - and Castle Lake off to the side.

Castle Lake:

(https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/castle-lake-formed-a-result-mount-st-helens-may-18-198)

Castle Lake Viewpoint; my 1st visit to this spot.

Mt. St. Helens – just before Loowit Viewpoint; 1 mile before the Johnson Ridge Observatory/Visitor Center.

An old logging site; possibly one Bob logged in the 1970's.

1969-1971 timeframe. Bob driving log truck off road, while logging Mt. St. Helen's area: safety checking the log wraps.

Bob Sr. & Bonnie, Bob Jr., Merry, & Kerry: a logging family - they lived in Toutle, near Silver Lake, at this time.

Reining my thoughts in, and getting back on track of why I made the drive; I continued down the road and around the bend, to the Hummocks Trail Parking Lot.

The trail is a short one – a loop trail about 2½ miles total; and about an hour to complete – but I always arrive too late in the day to do the total loop hike. I didn’t leave the house Saturday morning until 11:34 … and I always dink around enroute, so my actual destination activities are always curtailed to specific moments. Saturday’s trail moment was {get there-walk to the Boundary Trail Marker-gawk for a few minutes-backtrack to the car}; pretty cut and dried as far as activity goes.

That said, it’s still a nice short hike 😊

I’d be outside in nature, soaking up the scenery and listening to vociferous creatures that inhabit the area. That alone, in MHO, is worth the loooong drive 😉

The hummocks are gigantic refuse debris dumps, scattered over the landscape around Mt. St. Helens, following her awe-inspiring 1980 temper tantrum. I don’t “get” the scientific goose-bumps some get from them … but I do enjoy the hike; I walked it for the first time in April of last year, so I’m familiar with the trail layout now – I was still mindful of where my feet put down, but I was able to walk a little brisker this year – being careful on the steep loose gravel section of the trail (65-year-old bodies don’t bounce/heal like youthful 20-30 year-old bodies 😉).

The air of the Hummocks Trail was very pungent with rain-scent, wet dirt, blooming flowers, & new-growth greenery – but my lungs never seized up.

I took my time enjoying the environment, and spent soaking up the natural vibes and taking into my spirit the peacefulness of the moment: I spent an hour on this short section of the trail, doing nothing more than just looking around.

Hummocks Parking Lot is full of cars.Hummocks Trail:

(https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hummocks)

Hummocks Trail from Heron Pointe; 1 hr 13 min (60.7 mi) via WA-504 E

Hummocks Trailhead Marker; & lung & bare skin concerns ...

Mt. St. Helens is an active volcano - the most active volcano in America.

Mt. St. Helens Plaque.

Pretty little purple flowers - a cross between a foxglove & a lily.

Eruption Sequence Plaque.

No courting ducks in evidence this afternoon ...

You have to be alert to trail hazards.

Trails can be a bit dicey.

A swampy patch ...

A towering hummock.

I had to duck under these branches as I walked this stretch of trail; lifting a branch to make room for my head.

A sharp Sword Fern & vibrant Indian Paintbrush flowers.

Another slippery mud patch.

The upturned roots of thee fallen trees towered over me as I walked past; very tall. A storm blew both trees over due to their intertwined roots.

These 2 large rocks make a natural step.

Wild alpine strawberries.

Hummocks Ecosystem Plaque.

You need to keep your eyes open on trails; sharp-edged tripping hazard.

Hummocks & birdsong.

Even non-challenging-trails can be filled with tripping hazards.

I like this part of the trail.

I can't explain WHY I like this particular point in the trail … I just do - it has a certain vibe 😉

Unmistakable sign of coyote activity here.

A lot of sidestepping went on here; I felt like I was doing an Irish jig. LOL

Hummocks Trail Boundary Trail marker.

Cloud shrouded mountain.

Not as appealing without the snow-frosted environment; but the surprise late-season-snowfall in the lowlands, & continual rainfall at home, kept me from getting here earlier in the year.

Half a mile in ... half a mile backtrack.

Cool & muggy, but a perfect day for hiking – the air was relatively dry, even with the high humidity: I didn’t feel the ‘stickiness’ until I stopped moving for a few minutes.

Tiny lupines, and wild alpine strawberries.

View from a different angle ... standing on a small 'rise'.

It's been a good ending to this Shabbat.

I’m counting my blessings with every step; I’m inhaler-free since Mother's Day, this year.

I always have it on hand, but have not had to use it in 6 weeks.

A hummock; created May 18th, 1980.

Rock-strewn trail; I have small feet, but not small hooves.

What went down before, must go back up now ...

Back in the Highlander, and aiming it up the winding road towards Johnson’s Ridge Observatory, I was treated to three different weather patterns.

Johnson’s Ridge is 6½ miles from the Hummock’s Trail; and between both places, you pass into another County (Skamania). 3,000 feet in elevation; pretty little waterfalls along the roadway … but nowhere to pull over and take a picture. They aren’t big waterfalls, but they are cute – and add sparkle to the landscape.

Skamania County Boundary Lines.

Not sure of that is a waterfall, or not - but it sure caught my eye.

RAIN. Mountain weather is fickle weather.

Snow at Loowit Viewpoint; elevation 4,000 – not a lot of snow, but it was evident 😊

Snow all the way to the Johnson Ridge Parking Lot.

Chuckwagons lined up like a Fair or a Bazaar; Johnson Ridge Parking Lot.

The Johnson Ridge Loop Trail is totally paved.

Johnson Ridge Observatory.Johnson Ridge Observatory:

(https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/destination/johnston-ridge-observatory)

A brief rainy period ...

Eruption Trail Plaque.

Mt. St. Helens; Pre-1980 eruption.

Observatory, lava-mudflow lahar floodplain, & displaced Spirit Lake. Spirit Lake was completely displaced by the debris avalanche before rushing back to a lakebed raised 200 feet. Its once pristine waters were transformed into a toxic, bubbling, bacterial concoction.

What Spirit Lake & Mt. St. Helens looked like before the 1980 eruption; before the 1980 eruption, Spirit Lake was a crystal-clear glacial lake, surrounded by old-growth forests. The violent eruption filled the lake and removed the forest. The landslide displaced the water from the lake and lifted the lake bed 200 feet in the air – and transported it into a different location far from its original location.

Drizzle does not bother Washingtonians ... they just sit it out.

Eruption-Blasted Trees Info Plaque; the only thing different now, is that grass and flowers are coverng in the bare earth ...

Circle of Cascade Peaks.

 

A mountain resident is making use of walking trail erosion. I was hoping that was not a snake hole ...

Landscape Changes Plaque.

Government workers are not dependable workers; this is not safe: it hangs right over the parking lot, below.

Heavy rain-cloud cover ... and a cool peaks lineup.

While walking that loop, I decided to make a side trip. It didn’t look too taxing, physically; so, I didn’t worry about not having my walking stick with me.

2 miles (4 miles backtrack) to Devil’s Point – isn't that long.

SOMETHING NEW!

Hmmm. I always wondered where Mt. Margaret was … now I know.

A guy gave me his Map; the Trail will go all the way to Windy Ridge, Randle side.

I'll only go to Devil's Point this afternoon, because it's late in the day.

It's a pretty easy trail, so far.

The Looking down on the road I drove to Johnson Ridge on.

I can see snow patches.

St. Helens lava-mudflow lahar floodplain, seen from a different angle: The eruption caused snow, ice, and even glaciers to melt, creating volcanic mudslides that reached the Columbia River: 47.71 miles away.

Suddenly the snow patches aren't so far away ...

Pollen-laden Alder catkins ... my lungs did not sieze, and I did not get wheezy.

For decades I wouldn't come up here because it was SO barren of life.

The sunlight was so pretty in the rainy gloom.

Red pumice rock. Pumice is felsic volcanic glass – a rock foam with so much air in its structure that it floats in water. Pumice rock will often drift in river, coming to rest on beaches faaaaar from where it originated.

This trail is a definite repeat, but I’ll need to leave the house at least by 7 AM to make the full loop hike.

I'm not going to allow doctors to pigeon-hole-handicap me.

I know my body, and I know my limitations; I'm wise with activities.

Eruption-blasted-trees on backside of the Observatory bluff.

A 'Gracie' snafu about a half hour away from the Highlander.

Nothing major ... and it was not my driving foot: thank God!

Next time, I will carry my walking stick with me. Things can change in a nano-second on a trail; even if the trail is not a challenging trail. My snafu happened because of a loose pebble.

1 loose pebble led to a turned ankle – which immediately inflamed that temperamental piriformis muscle. Getting back to the car was not as scary as it sounds … the drive home, with the piriformis tweak, would be the true test. That was what concerned me: there is no shotgun driver to takeover driving, in my current life.

I don’t think my walking stick would have stopped the turning of the ankle snafu; but it would have eased some of the piriformis strain while pampering my ankle.

And I did have a few sightings of snow that that made my eyes happy, and aided in mental distraction as I hobbled along 😉

Snow patches back to the parking lot.

I will always think of this mountain as 'Bob's Mountain'.

Coldwater Restrooms - Park side - CLOSED: these restrooms look so sci-fi, it borders on silly.

Coldwater Lake:(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldwater_Lake_(Washington))

My ankle was in a little pain, but it wasn’t crippling … and I figured that if I could walk from where I turned it on the trail to where the car was parked (about half an hour careful walking), that was a good sign that I hadn’t seriously injured it. I’d just hole up at home when I got back home, gently use that foot over the next 24 hours; and slap a pain-relieving patch on the inflamed piriformis muscle until it settled down.

By the time I headed home, I had spent 6 hours on the mountain, and experienced two new things – and I had done a lot more walking than anticipated when I woke up with walking in my thoughts 😊

Hopefully by Monday or Tuesday, the ankle burn and muscle seize will back off; and I’d be back in business on my feet 😉

I loosened the shoelace ties at Coldwater Lake, just in case my ankle decided to swell a bit; I'm going to be pampering my ankle over the next few days.

Alpenglow sunset tonight.

**Mt. St. Helens Daytrips over the past 3 years/Links:

Sunday~Funday2 – Solo Daytrip up Toutle to Mt. St. Helens Gift Shop/9-1-19: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2019/09/sunday-funday-2.html

Mt. St. Helens Daytrip w-Trudy & Ed/8-4-20: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/08/daytrip-w-trudy-ed-mt-st-helens.html

A Walk In The Clouds Post/4-16-21 (I was wearing a yellow top then, too 😉): https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-walk-in-clouds.html

Loowit Viewpoint Post/9-8-21: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/loowit-viewpoint.html **