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Mount St Helens was really stunning, covered in snow but it was easy to see the lingering effects of the eruption 20 years ago . It is hard to take in that 230 square miles were covered that day as a result of the eruption and the devastation is still clear to see in some parts.
From here it was not very far to go to visit Mount Rainier . We spent the night camped by a river off a road that is quiet and we were told that it is permissible to stay overnight there. It was a very pleasant spot but as soon as the sun went down it was freezing cold and we were glad to go to bed and get warm!!!!!!
The mount Rainier park is again beautiful and the snow capped peaks were topped by the bright blue sky and the sunshine. Of course a lot of the roads are still shut because of the snow but it was possible to get quite high and see the mountain from relatively closeup. We did several walks during the day and then returned to the same road to camp in the evening.
Over the next few days we visited other state parks and thoroughly enjoyed the hot days and some great walks or trails as they are called here.
We pulled in to Battle Ground state park and were delighted to bump into Jackie and Peter quite unexpectedly!!!!!!!! it was really good to see them again and we spent the evening catching up with each other.
They moved back to the garage in Portland for further repairs on the Monday and we continued our visit to state parks with good trails.
We had been offered storage by the Watson family in Portland. Not only have they offered to store the trucks but they then offered us the use of a house of theirs in Beaverton on the edge of Portland. We very gratefully took them up on their offer and arrived on the Wednesday evening.
The house is delightful and we felt so lucky to have the opportunity to unpack Freddy and try to do some sorting and cleaning which was sorely needed!
Francis , Elsa and their delightful children came to join us on the Friday evening and it really felt strange to be welcoming them to their own house!
The weekend flew by and we had a fantastic time with them. We visited an air museum and ate out and generally really enjoyed ourselves with them.
Isn't it unbelievable that they could offer their house to strangers whom they had only met once and trust them and then feed them and look after them like honoured guests!!!!
We will never cease to be amazed and grateful to people for their hospitality and generosity.
Looking forward to our return home. We are catching the bus to Seattle tomorrow and then fly on Tuesday. Can 6 months really have gone by so quickly?
It has been truly an amazing trip again and we have seen so much and met so many amazing people whom we will never forget.
- comments
Mum Brilliant - what wonderful experiences you are having and the hospitality from strangers is amazing. Really looking forward to your safe return, Thanks for your fascinating blogs. Love Mum and Brian xx
Katie Edwards It's an amazing experience you've had. I've really enjoyed reading your blogs. It's Tuesday today so you'll be in Seattle. Have a good flight! Weather's getting warmer here so I think Summer is finally coming.
Coral Williams What a fantastic adventure you have had. Thank you for sharing it with us Terry and Pam. p.s. I am not at all surprised that people are being hospitable to you. You are such lovely people x