Conquering Mount St. Helens Summit at Dawn

I am not a morning person. Never have been. EXCEPT when it comes to adventures, travel, and exploring anywhere new. The anticipation and the heart hammering sensation they induce can wake me better than any red bull. Rising at 3:30am for a 4:30am ascent of Mt St Helens, 40.5 years following her notorious eruption, felt like Christmas Eve at age 7, ripe with possibilities of what the adventure had in store. On this day, the sky was clear, the air was crisp, the moon so full it looked just days old, and the climb was dark save for the illumination of the moon. The sunrise around 6:30am greeted us with 20mph winds, ash smacking us in the face with such force I wished for safety goggles and was thankful for having no bare skin. A mars-like terrain void of all life forms, and the most incredible sun-rise laden with endless layers of mountain peaks on the horizon was the reward as our feet dug in to the ash, glove covered hands gripped to the lava rock for towering scramble climbs, and poles sunk so deep it was the most intense arm workout on a hike in recent memory. All the mountains were out. Including the native legends pair of dueling suitors, Adams (Klickitat) and Hood (Wyeast), who were thought to have caused her eruption in 1980 by vying for Loowit’s (St. Helens) affection and causing such a stir they upset the god, Sahale. Helen was my 5th volcano summit this year and 1st in North America. The only regret I have is not having summited her sooner. Great day with great friends entering into my birthday week (loved their bday surprise at the top and am so thankful for them). Check Helens out for yourself when you can, these photos will never do her view and grandeur, justice.