Sunday Week 3

Early start this morning and drove down to Mt Rainier National Park. Weather started like a typical winter's high pressure situation; fog and low lying cloud. In true optimistic fashion, I set off hoping that it would burn off, and low and behold it turned into a glorious, if slightly chilly, day.

Mt. Rainier, 90km south of Seattle, stands at over 13000ft, so can be seen from anywhere in Washington, assuming the weather is nice. The "Paradise Lodge" visitors centre at the heart of the park is at 5000ft, and despite being only 20 miles into the park it takes an hour to get to. The roads there can only be compared to those in the Alps, though with the addition of rubbernecking American drivers.

After lunch and a wander I set off to Mt. St. Helen's, which is about another 50km south. Its actually the 30th anniversary of the eruption, and there are numerous visitors' centres surrounding the volcano. A 52 mile track leads up to the viewpoint and main visitors' centre, which is on the peak directly opposite the volcano. The interesting thing is the visitors' centre is in the area which was destroyed by the eruption. I wonder if they have volcano insurance?

Returned back down the valley and started the 3 hour drive back to Seattle. American Interstates are odd!

New pics up . . .