Coast to Coast Grandkids Tour - Mt St. Helens (July 2011)

At 8:32 a.m. on May 18, 1980 a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the site we are standing at triggering a massive explosion.  The Johnson Ridge Observatory was dedicated to USGS scientist David Johnson who was one of 57 people killed during the eruption.

 

This is the auditorium where you can see an outstanding movie that documents the events during Mt St. Helens eruption. After the movie, the curtains draw back slowly showing Mt St. Helens in her dormant slumber.

Here a ranger briefs visitors on each phase of the occurrence.  In 1982, the United States Congress established the 110,000 acre Mt St Helens Volcanic Monument to preserve a portion of the blast zone for scientists, educators and visitors.

Here we are for the start of our hike at the Hummock trail head.  The Hummocks are massive mounds of rock, ash, and mud that were piled unceremoniously around the floor of the new Coldwater Lake valley by the mighty blow.

OK, I'm not kidding who took my GPS!

Coast to Coast Grandkids Tour - Olympic National Park (July 2011)

A panoramic view of Hurricane Ridge. 

Is it real snow Ryan?  It's July and they still have snow on the ground.  This is definitely not Baltimore!

Kathy and the boys near the avalanche sign.  There was plenty of snow still in the mountains.

Jake and Kathy on the beginning of our Hurricane Ridge hike. 

You can see we transitioned from snow to dirt as we climb higher.  We did not make the entire hike as someone had to use the bathroom.

During our return trip a local friend stopped by to say "Hello".  The boys enjoyed the cool weather during our trip to Olympic National Park.

Coast to Coast Grandkids Tour - Whale Watching (July 2011)

At the dock with Ryan and Jacob ready to board our boat.  We booked our tour with Pudget Sound Excursions a local tour group from Port Townsend, WA.

The boys on the top deck ready for some action. 

Many Sea Lions and Calves resting on the shore.  They look like big stones.

Another tour ship that was also out that day.  Does it look like its leaning to one side? We sighted a couple of Minke whales which are locale natives in the area.

Click on the picture to enlarge. You can see the Minke whale off the right side of the boat.  We were sad that we did not see any Orca whales during trip.   Since the company guarantees you will see Orca's whales, they gave us complimentary tickets for a future tour. 

Coast to Coast Grandkids Tour - Fort Worden (July 2011)

All right now, keep in step with me as we start our exercise program. Kathy, Ryan and Jacob on the top of Fort Worden gunnery platform in the town of Port Townsend, WA.  Fort Worden was an active base from 1902 to 1953.   It was used to defend the Pudget Sound Inlet from any invasion attempt by sea.  It was also used as a movie location for "An Officer and Gentleman starring Richard Gere."  No Kidding!  I remember him doing sits ups in the rain, right where they are standing. 

Kath and Jacob sitting on top of the observation tower after a great work-out.   Not a good place to be sitting if  they were in the process of firing the big guns.

Here we are walking along the shoreline towards the lighthouse. I told Ryan to wear a coat but he insisted he was not cold. 

You can see Dave in the background just in case someone slips.  The boys arrived on July 4 with Dave after a 5 hour and 50 minute flight from Baltimore to start our Coast to Coast Grandkids Tour. We have to have them back in Baltimore by July 23rd.