Class Field Trip into a Lava Tube

Today I went on an underground classroom field trip with my Mount St. Helens Institute Volcanic Naturalist classmates. 😄 We hiked into a nearly 2000 year old lava tube ("Ape Cave") near Mount St. Helens.

Luckily I had been in this tube before and knew what to expect so I was able to focus on our lesson instead of on my breathing... because inside a cave is not my favorite place to be! I really enjoyed it though and kept thinking how lucky I was to have this opportunity to learn hands-on about something that truly fascinates me.

Outside, as you can see, it was cold and covered in snow. Inside, it was 42 degrees F, which it stays at year-around regardless of what the temperature is above ground. It's always moist inside but during the winter it's downright WET.  Basalt is very porous so it "rained" on us the entire time we were underground.

What a great and interesting learning experience! I love this class!

"Railroad tracks" created by slow moving and cooling lava.

The "meatball" above. You can also see that there is another tube 

above the one we were in and that the two tubes joined each other.

Looking for cave bugs. :)

Upper and lower tubes

2020 Hike 8/52

3.50 Miles

Mountain Man

You ascend up high,
reaching the peak,
showing off that fine physique.

You find your freedom in the climb,
forget all the chaos in your mind.

You’re strong.
You’re confident.
You flash that smile.
You feel at peace
but just for a while.

The high is over and down you come,
returning to the Fearful One.
The pain...
The worries...
The complexities.
But you’re so much more than what you believe.

Your gift in life is who you are...
Creative, motivated, genuine and kind.
Sensitive, caring, honest and true.
Care not what others project on you.

Carry your high back down to the ground.
Hold it tight, don’t make a sound.
You’ve conquered the peak, you will conquer much more.
Quiet your mind, find strength in your core.
Smile your smile and live on that high.
Spread your wings wide and let yourself fly!

Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

A beautiful early morning hike/walk on a local path close to home. I haven’t done this one in awhile but was reminded of just how nice it is when you want to keep things casual. 

20 Hike 7/52 - 6.55 miles; 25 feet elevation gain

Snowshoe Climbing out of White River Canyon

A fun and challenging snowshoe on Mt. Hood! Lots of snow (up to our thighs at times), steep terrain (scary), a face plant (mine), knees shaking (mine), a couple of crawls (mine), a few squeals (definitely mine), and plenty of laughter (okay... now that wasn’t mine!)! 😂😂 haha Just kidding - I’m the first person to laugh at myself! 😂 

Thanks for scouting the way and making a path for me to follow, Rockstar! I loved the challenge! We'll have to go back and reach our planned destination when the weather is a bit more cooperative. 

It was such a great day! 

Up to the top of that ridge... sure, no problem!
(REALLY??)

Made it! Looking back down... I'm amazed.

2020 Hike 6/52 - 4.48 miles; 1121 feet elevation gain

Coyote Wall - Again!

After yesterday’s hike in the snow, it was great to find the sunshine today! Super sticky, slippery mud on much of the trail but beautiful sunshine, little wind and gorgeous views. ❤️ It felt like spring had arrived!

2020 Hike 5/52 - 7.70 miles; 1599 feet elevation gain