Mount Saint Helen and Spirit Lake
coutesy: Wikipedia
OK, the government has shut down our National Parks. But, for some reason my son and I had forgot this and took off yesterday for Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. You know -- the one that erupted in 2000 that took out 57 lives and eradicated every living thing for 230 square miles surrounding its dome.
We had not checked the park online -- where we would have found this alert:
Funding Lapse ... all federally owned recreation sites are closed . . . we sincerely regret this inconvenience.
When we arrived at the park, specifically Ape Cave trail, we found many cars parked way off to the side of the main park road. Folks were smiling and talking as they walked to and from Ape Cave trail. As we approached this trail-head we found a large wooden sign saying, "Closed -- Do not enter." In spite of this sign folks were walking up the trail. Since there were no park officials to guard the park it was now really the people's park. Everyone was having a good time and being very civil. It left a very good feeling with me. Perhaps a little less watchfulness of big brother is a freeing experience for folks.
Just remember, those same people you met on the way will they be there when downed trees have to be removed and culverts have to be dug to divert rains and brochures have to be updated and maps reprinted....etc.?
ReplyDeleteTabor -- I don't really know. I don't know what their role was with the park. Maybe like me they did not think that the park was closed until they realized all the national parks were closed. Several of the folks were young men from France. I realize this is tough on the workers that are furloughed. I don't think some folks using the park now will change anybody's minds in Washington D.C. -- thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteThe national park I live in is similarly closed, but with cars parked wherever they can be fitted and folks using the trails. I saw a man pushing a baby stroller up the very long entrance drive to the octagon, a rock formation, last week. It made me smile.
ReplyDeleteI imagine folks all over the U.S. are using the parks. Seems like folks are interpreting "parks closed in their own way." I see no problem with that as the parks are for the people.-- barbara
DeleteI do remember when it erupted. Interesting how people are taking the closure of the parks and monuments. They really do belong to the people.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- the eruption happened so long ago yet I remember its happening very clearly. When I was there yesterday I noticed small rocks laying around made out of volcanic rock. Thought they were pretty neat to see -- although so much tragedy was connected with the event. -- thanks -- barbara.
DeleteThat first photo really showed the beauty of hidden danger.
ReplyDeleteRuneE -- Right now Mount St Helen is sitting serenely with white snow covering it. It looks innocence but as we know anything can happen in the future. thanks -- barbara
DeleteGlad you got to see some of the park and glad to hear folks were enjoying themselves.
ReplyDeleteVicki -- It really was like a big party affair -- nice to see -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteDo you think that there is a little nagging thought within that we need permission to go onto the national parks and there are 'rules' to adhere to etc? Hope the Park Rangers soon get paid.
ReplyDeleteclaggle -- I do think that some folks had that nagging thought that we need permission but once arriving at the park all that dropped away as the atmosphere was full of people enjoying themselves. No rules but folks being very respectful of the park. thanks -- barbara
DeleteWhile the video is scary, the photo at the head of your post is gorgeous! I don't think I've ever seen a photo of a volcano nestled among mountains like that.
ReplyDeleteHurray for the people, like you and your son, who wanted to enjoy a nice hike in a beautiful place. I'm glad you and they were not intimidated by a small sign.
June -- FDR was a big promoter of national parks. I don't know if he had anything to do with St Helen's but whoever did -- they did a favor for the people. In the scope of this shutdown -- walking the trails is quite an innocent thing. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI'm glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeletehattie -- It was a sweet beautiful day that we enjoyed with our cameras. Thanks -- barbara
DeleteOh, Barbara, I believe that we do need our National Parks...While the people you met were respectful, many people do not understand nature...the big corporations/congressional fanatics would like to close our national parks & yes, eventually probably mow them down for profit... our Park in Maine does have "secret" entrances too, but I must insist that we support our National Park System & let politicians know how we valuethem. Gorgeous photos, btw...
ReplyDeleteRita -- Many of our national lands have been destroyed in the west -- even though the lands are federal they are rented out to corporate folks for oil, timber, gas and cattle ranching. Sad. -- thanks for stopping by -- barbara
DeleteAmazing place. My sis lives in Portland, OR, and she took us there 10 years ago. What a story! What a BIG bang! Nature though, returns.
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Nature has surely returned to the area. Lots of small cinder rocks peeking out from under the lush ground plants -- I guess left-overs from the big bang. thanks for stopping - barbara
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