Mt. St. Helens
5-18-80
Mount St. Helens (before eruption picture above) is most notorious for its major 1980 eruption, the deadliest and most economically destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States. Fifty-seven people were killed; 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed. A massive debris avalanche triggered by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale caused an eruption that reduced the elevation of the mountain's summit from 9,677 ft to 8,363 ft, leaving a 1 mile wide horseshoe-shaped crater. The debris avalanche was up to 0.7 cubic miles in volume.
Aaaah . . . Spring. It's become my favorite season. Summer used to be my favorite, but I just don't enjoy those hot days like I used to when I was younger. Symbolic of renewal and new beginnings, Spring brings the return of the American Robins and other seasonal songbirds who busy themselves nesting in the surrounding trees to raise their young. New growth on the pine and fir trees is noticeable as are new buds on the deciduous trees and shrubberies. Not to mention the lovely scent of Lilac and Apple blossoms.