Hummingbird's don't like spicy italian sausages.
A drive out of Portland, towards Mount St Helen, our van stocked up and our course set. We had an inkling of options to camp at and knew that a few tourist spot's had been recommended.
Our first port of call as we crossed into Washington was Ape Cave. Not having a clue why it was called that, we did know it was an old lava tube. What we discovered was the vast size of it. A must see if you are ever in the area, a huge tunnel with a temperature that plummets. Flashlights a must, we made our way slowly through and awed at the depth of such a cave. It was only when exiting we learnt the tunnel had been named after a Boy Scout Group's motto! As it was only discovered recently, we found the name to be slightly unsuitable. Though we had not seen any Elk in any of the meadows, fields or ridges. So what were we to know.
A camp near Mt St Helen was a delight as we nestled between some trees. A frosty morning didn't concern us when we prepared blackberries and maple syrup on french toast for breakfast.
Another spectacular trail near Mt St Helen was the Lava Canyon. A sharp twisting, turning lava tube that meant a river became a torrent as it found its way down the mountain.
That evening we drove to one of the highest look outs and set up camp in one of the small car parks. As the sun set we only received a few visitors who all held a camera. Most took the obligatory selfie pic and many more of the sun setting behind the mountain, which was a gorgeous sight we gratefully appreciated. Brief distractions when a new visitor dropped by. We couldn't help but gawk at one particular lady however as she was clearly not shy in front of us, taking a thousand snaps of herself in various poses with parts of a mountain in her background. Each to their own we reminded ourselves and knew we were just as culpable.
As the crowd disappeared we lit up our cooker and prepared spicy hot italian sausages and veggies for dinner. Delicious!
Our favourite guest of the evening though lasted only three seconds, not long enough for an image but enough for us to both marvel at the wonder. A hummingbird flew between us and hovered only a metre in front as we both sat eating our dinner overlooking the mountain. The brightly coloured hummingbird seemed to assess both of us for our nectar and discovering despite our colourful clothes and food, we held no store of nectar so moved on. It was more than enough for us to sit stunned in silence much longer. The colours across the mountain and our fragile flying guest made it a special evening.
A cool night opened to a warm morning and even more beautiful images of Mt St Helen. A short trek up to a higher viewing platform gave us incredible views of not only Mt St Helen, but also Mt Rainier, Mt Adam and even Mt Hood. We were definitely in the Cascade region.
Our first port of call as we crossed into Washington was Ape Cave. Not having a clue why it was called that, we did know it was an old lava tube. What we discovered was the vast size of it. A must see if you are ever in the area, a huge tunnel with a temperature that plummets. Flashlights a must, we made our way slowly through and awed at the depth of such a cave. It was only when exiting we learnt the tunnel had been named after a Boy Scout Group's motto! As it was only discovered recently, we found the name to be slightly unsuitable. Though we had not seen any Elk in any of the meadows, fields or ridges. So what were we to know.
A camp near Mt St Helen was a delight as we nestled between some trees. A frosty morning didn't concern us when we prepared blackberries and maple syrup on french toast for breakfast.
Another spectacular trail near Mt St Helen was the Lava Canyon. A sharp twisting, turning lava tube that meant a river became a torrent as it found its way down the mountain.
That evening we drove to one of the highest look outs and set up camp in one of the small car parks. As the sun set we only received a few visitors who all held a camera. Most took the obligatory selfie pic and many more of the sun setting behind the mountain, which was a gorgeous sight we gratefully appreciated. Brief distractions when a new visitor dropped by. We couldn't help but gawk at one particular lady however as she was clearly not shy in front of us, taking a thousand snaps of herself in various poses with parts of a mountain in her background. Each to their own we reminded ourselves and knew we were just as culpable.
As the crowd disappeared we lit up our cooker and prepared spicy hot italian sausages and veggies for dinner. Delicious!
Our favourite guest of the evening though lasted only three seconds, not long enough for an image but enough for us to both marvel at the wonder. A hummingbird flew between us and hovered only a metre in front as we both sat eating our dinner overlooking the mountain. The brightly coloured hummingbird seemed to assess both of us for our nectar and discovering despite our colourful clothes and food, we held no store of nectar so moved on. It was more than enough for us to sit stunned in silence much longer. The colours across the mountain and our fragile flying guest made it a special evening.
A cool night opened to a warm morning and even more beautiful images of Mt St Helen. A short trek up to a higher viewing platform gave us incredible views of not only Mt St Helen, but also Mt Rainier, Mt Adam and even Mt Hood. We were definitely in the Cascade region.
great story and even better views .
ReplyDeleteLoving the scenery. So much greenery. A fabulous trip seemingly.
ReplyDeleteHummingbirds are absolutely my favorite birds. There’s something magical about them being so still yet their wings are flapping crazily. Hope you see more.