I hinted at it before: Mark and I have had some challenges the last few months, in general, and a few difficulties and issues regarding our current Lance 830 truck camper. Without going into detail just yet, we decided that our best plan of action in early July (a week before my departure to Belgium) was to head into the woods. We could use a change of scenery, needed to escape the 90+ temperatures of Portland, Oregon, wanted to test our camper on rough roads and terrain, and looked forward to camping in nature again.
(As always, click on or hover over the photos in galleries to read their captions.)
The National Monument sports tons of hikes for every level.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Mount St. Helens viewpoint
The area has a wealth of attractions and hikes – we only scratched the surface.
Close to our first campsite, we found a trail heading into the woods.
On our fourth and last night, we camped close to a stream.
Maya happily ran off leash (and, finally, was continuously aware of us, looking back and waiting often – something we’ve been trying to teach her for three years), we played in the snow (still present on the trail at 4,000ft), the camper held up, we slept among the sounds of birds, trees, and streams, and we returned to town refreshed, five days later.
Happy to be back in the woods
Maya enjoyed wading and drinking in the cool streams.
We encountered lots of snow on the Blue Lake Trail.
The streams provided extra water for Maya.
Rushing water in Lava Canyon – the fun and easy loop over a suspension bridge was closed.
I explored the tricky path a bit further, but it was too dangerous – slippery with a sheer drop to the right. Mark and I bailed on this one.
Blue Lake Trail
Blue Lake from the ground
Crossing the river to continue the trail
Hiking the 7-mile Blue Lake Trail
The volcano loomed in the distance on part of the Blue Lake Trail.
Blue Lake from above
Our destination on the Blue Lake Trail – the waterfall viewpoint, where we ate our packed lunch and picked up a cell signal.
Crossing snowy expanses.
Flowers along the path.
Hiking back the way we came on the Blue Lake Trail. The loop alternative seemed less accessible because of the snow and unknown river crossing.
June Lake Trail
Waterfall at June Lake
Rushing river in the forest
Maya cools off in June Lake.
Trail of Two Forests
Disappearing into the depths – tunnel (burned out tree) created by the volcano eruption in 1980.
Emerging after a crawl through a dark tunnel by myself
Ape Cave
Ape Cave
We explored this 3/4 mile section of Ape Cave with a shared flashlight (not recommended, but we only had one light source. Two and a back-up would be better), without Maya. A reservation code and day pass are required.
Imprints in the molted lava during a hike with Maya near Ape Cave.
After leaving Maya in the camper for an hour, we took her on the Ape Cave forest trail.
I am composing and posting this blog from my tablet in Belgium, which is not the easiest or most straightforward way, so I apologize for any problems in the layout. Yes, I succeeded in leaving my laptop (and camera) behind for three weeks! It didn’t fit in my one ”personal item” I could bring on this three-week trip. 🙂
Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary
Now, that’s a test drive! I am glad the camper performed well and you obviously had some quality time exploring in nature. Enjoy your time with your family. No way I’d ever do that tunnel crawl.
The tunnel crawl was a bit creepy, I have to admit. And painful for the knees. The camper performing well was a huge relief and allowed us to keep plowing away at improvements and important modifications that cost a bit…
Ditto on that tunnel crawl, Liesbet! Happy that you were able to escape the extreme heat in the Northwest for the cool Mount St. Helen’s. Enjoy your time with family ‘back home.’
Thanks Annie. Belgium has been treating me really well. It’s almost as if it doesn’t want me to leave again. 🙂 I hope your giant roadtrip is going well.
Hi Liesbet! Love all the waterfalls. It looks lovely and cool. But is that the old camper or the new camper. I’m obviously confused but thought I read recently that you were going to change it out again??? Anyway, have a great time visiting family and friends. We head home tomorrow and fly through Amsterdam. Wish us luck! ~Kathy
Have a smooth and uneventful trip back! Are you staying a few days in Amsterdam? You’re so close to me now…
This is the second truck camper, and third camper. 1) Zesty (which I’m sure you remember) 2) Temp, the fancy European-style one we had for one year and in Baja and 3) this unnamed one. It’s been confusing, because we’ve had so many issues with the current one that we have been keeping an eye on a different one of the same make and model, but we eventually decided to keep this Lance 830.
I remember when Mt. St. Helen’s erupted in 1980. Even though where we live in Eureka, CA., almost 500 miles away, the ash traveled this far and beyond. It was an odd sight to see vehicles covered, realizing that the ash was from something so far away.
I’m sure people in the PNW who lived there in 1980 were very aware of the eruption of Mount St. Helen. Mark even remembers it from childhood, when he lived in New England. It’s crazy how far ash can fly. And, it’s also very nasty stuff to clean up. The devastation must have been huge!
So glad you were able to escape the heat. Looks refreshing. I look forward to hearing all about the issues you’ve been having with the truck camper. I think that’s just one reason we temporarily stopped our truck camper search – concerns over problems. Enjoy your time in Belgium!
I was actually surprised that it was still relatively warm in the woods, which were actually not that much higher in elevation than St. Helens (our base this summer). But the shade made all the difference. The spot on the driveway of our friends is in full sunshine and our camper doesn’t have AC.
At the moment, Mark actually had to escape there again – for an entire week of extreme high temps! – and he decided to drive to the Oregon Coast. The drop in temperature there is huge! Almost unbelievably so, with a 30-degree difference compared to the 100F in Portland!
Camper shopping (especially when not having a another home) is not for the faint of heart. 🙂
I’m trying to find the connection, Connie. I think our time in the woods didn’t change my idea about love, but we were certainly happier overall. 🙂 Dear people passing away changes a few things, though. <3
Good job on your tablet – the photos and text came out great. And what photos! It’s hot and humid today in New England, and your photos cooled me off. 🙂 Beautiful pilgrimage into Mt. Saint Helens. Hope you’re having a great visit now in Belgium. xo
Yikes about hot & humid. Can you tell those two to go away by next Wednesday? 🙂 Belgium is great. A few positive changes that make it hard for me to leave again.
Interesting. Well, you’re a ‘two-country” woman, like I’m a ‘bi-coastal” woman (CA and MA). We can keep both in our hearts. I’m afraid you will get a HUGE dosing of hot and humid on Wednesday and Thursday. Bring a cold compress. 🙂
I’m actually getting fed up with these extremely hot temperatures. In Oregon, Belgium, and MA. Sigh. I’m not easy to please as I hate the cold as well. Hmmmm where to go?
Hi, Liesbet – This is an awesome post all-around. Three cheers for Maya doing so well. Three cheers for the truck/camper holding up in such terrain. Three cheers for the get-away. And a fourth (very loud) cheer for you successfully leaving your laptop and camera behind!
Donna, you are the best cheerleader ever!!! We are pretty darn happy with these last developments, especially after a whole lot of happenings that weren’t worth any cheers. 🙂 I don’t miss my laptop at all, except when a random translation comes my way.
Lovely getaway! It must have been such a relief to get out in the wilderness and enjoy the sounds of nature. Btw, you post layout looks just fine… I’m impressed that you were able to do that with your tablet.
Thanks, Janis. I have to admit that creating this post took much longer than I anticipated and was not so enjoyable. The writing is okay – I’m used to that for emails and diary entries on here – but the photo captioning and organizing was very tricky. I prefer the laptop! 🙂
Our time in the woods was restorative in so many ways. I can’t even describe our feelings – relief, joy, peace, ease, and… “right”.
Hi Liesbet, what an absolutely beautiful getaway!!! It looks like a little piece of heaven. I love the picture of Maya at the Waterfall at June Lake. I’m glad she is now looking back for you and Mark. I bet that makes you both feel good. How wonderful that all of you could walk together in such beauty together. I hope you are enjoying your time in Belgium.
Yes to all you’re writing. Belgium is great. I always get spoiled here and feel like royalty. A new development – my own place to stay at – has made me even happier while being here.
I’m glad you enjoyed a little sneak peek into our short getaway. I sure hope we will soon be able to make this kind of thing our entire life again. 🙂
Believe it or not, Cliff’s relatives were affected by the blow-up of Mt. St. Helens. I remember his dad remarked about the volcanic ash getting into his car motor because it was so fine and penetrated easily. When we visited later, I got the blue tee that I wore when the photo about my glasses’ lanyard was taken. “Even saints blow their tops!” is the inscription.
The park that is so refreshing to campers these days was anything but in 1980 with the eruption that seemed apocalyptic at the time.
If you are still in Belgium, I hope you are enjoying cooler temps.
Another good one, Liesbet! 😀
If I remember right, Cliff’s relatives live pretty close to Mount St. Helens, being in Vancouver, WA, so I’m not surprised they were affected. Volcanic ash is nasty stuff. We had it on the decks of our sailboat at one point as well. I think when sailing by Montserrat in the Caribbean. Yikes!
I love your T-shirt and its inscription. Talking about gifts and inscriptions, I found a great spot for the “Happy Camper” towel you gave us. One day, I’ll take a photo of it and send it to you. When I’m closer to it than 7,000 miles. And if I ever leave Belgium again. 🙂
Nature has the power to refresh and recharge our batteries. It sounds like you, Mark and Maya really needed it. Such a beautiful and perfect place to spend a few days totally immersed in nature.
Loving all your photos.
Thanks a lot, Gilda. As always, you get us. There was nothing more we needed during that getaway than recharge our batteries. I still can’t believe this was such a successful trip in so many ways. I could get used to that! 🙂
Hi Liesbet, What a beautiful place to get away. The scenery looks refreshing and restorative. I’m impressed that you composed and posted this post on a tablet. The layout looks fine. Have a wonderful time in Belgium!
Thanks, Natalie. I’m having a lovely time here in Belgium. And then to say that I initially didn’t feel happy and excited to return, as so much was going on in our life in the US. I sometimes forget I have a life here as well. It’s a tad surreal.
Creating a “real” post on a tablet is not recommended. But, in a blue moon, it is manageable. 🙂
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Fortunately, you were in the perfect place to do so and gets some much needed R&R. The photos are wonderful and I’m happy to hear the your set-up passed the test. Enjoy your time in Belgium!
Thanks, Laura. I’m loving it here again in Belgium. Oh oh… It’s closer to Portugal as well. 🙂
For some reason, doing this little trip to Mount St. Helens ticked all the boxes without us knowing, anticipating, or expecting it. It sure is nice when that happens. As you know!
You may remember that I originally came from Washington state. In fact my Mom and Dad had built a lovely home in the countryside of Ridgefield, just north of Vancouver, Washington.
On clear days they could see Mt. St. Helens to the north, Mt. Rainier beyond St. Helens many miles farther north, Mt. Washington to the southeast and Mt. Hood along the Columbia River, just over the Oregon border.
My Mom died in 1975 but my Dad still lived in the country house when Mt. St. Helens blew up. He said the ash began to rain down from the sky like a whiteish-gray snow storm. Using the wipers on the car to be able to drive ground the fine grainy powder into the windshield. They had to put women’s panty hose over the air breathers over the motor to keep the car from getting sand into the cylinders.
Thank you for reading my post and commenting here, Cliff! Marian mentioned your relatives in Vancouver, WA. That must have been such cool views of the mountain tops. We sometimes see them from St. Helens, OR, as well on our walks with Maya. But only when it’s a very clear day.
Having ash fly everywhere must have been a weird phenomenon and a mess. We once had to clean some of that up on the decks of our boat, sailing (not even that close) by a volcanic island. I think it was Montserrat in the Caribbean. We didn’t think about party hose. I’m sure people were much more creative for situations like these back then. 🙂
Wonderful experiences, Liesbet! Your images of the areas are gorgeous and the weather indeed looked cool and comfy (Not so any more)! Glad you could get away and refresh before your flight!
Thanks, Terri. It seems like a long lost memory now – the peace away from it all and the cooler weather. I hope to pick up our lives on the road again soon! And I hope the Spokane area will have cooler temps soon as well.
The cave explorations were a quick endeavor as we didn’t want to leave Maya alone very long and we only had one flashlight. But it was still a cool – literally and figuratively – experience! Next time, we want to do the longer, more challenging route. With two flashlights. 🙂
Maya’s extremely itchy at the moment. I can’t wait until we are all happy, healthy, and traveling together again!! Well, by road not by plane and pretty much any other transportation method these days.
Thanks for the feedback Hugh. I double checked the layout a few times. Creating the post took so much longer (especially the photo work) that I’d rather not repeat this on my tablet.
I’m glad you like the looks of our little volcano. There are a few peaks like this in southern Washington. Very pretty and refreshing. 🙂
I don’t know how some bloggers draft and publish posts from their mobile phones, Liesbet. I need a desktop computer to do all my blogging. I’m not comfortable with drafting and publishing posts on a tablet or phone.
Me neither, Hugh. That’s certainly one thing computers – in my opinion – are still needed for: composing and posting blog posts. And, translation work. And research. And probably a few other tasks. 🙂
You did well with the tablet Liesbet. And I’ll bet that snow was welcomed escape for getting out of the heat. Kudos to you for travelling light – something I just wouldn’t know how to do. LOL. Enjoy your vacay! Hugs <3
You know, Debby, each time I see a lady struggle with her heavy, boisterous luggage, I think about you! 🙂 The coming days bring another heatwave. In Massachusetts this time. It seems to be following me from Oregon to Belgium to MA. Oh well. A reoccurring summer phenomenon. The earth sure is heating up.
You are correct, the earth is hot and angry. But you crack me up giving such a bad rap. LOLOL kidding. I guess that’s what I’ll always be remembered for. What an epitaph, lol. Hugs xx
Haha! I’m sure you will be remembered for many things, Debby, not in the least for your caring, sweet, supportive, empathetic soul. Your mental suitcases overflow with that. Xxx
My two weeks in Belgium were wonderful, but too short. As always. I’m really considering going back for much longer (and taking Mark and Maya) one of these years.
Maya loves being in the forest, Ronel. I think it’s her favorite “habitat” – more so than the beach, the desert, or someone’s yard. 🙂 There are lots of smells, it’s generally cool, and the territory is expansive and exciting.
Your trip into the mountains is exactly like our favourite kind of truck and camper trips — in nature, away from people, in the quiet cool forests. We have a Westland camper ( the same one you saw when you were here). It’s a lightweight three season camper, and it’s served us well with few problems. However, we don’t live in it as our full-time home; our typical length of trip is from 1-6 weeks.
I have never heard of a Westland camper (and I probably mentioned that to you on our visit), but I do remember how comfortable and spacious it is inside – the perfect vehicle for getaways in nature! Living in a small camper fulltime is very different from the occasional or short-term trips, as you can imagine. Right now, we are even equipping our camper for extended boondocking abroad… Stay tuned!
We have been perpetual nomads since 2003 – sailing, camping, RVing, house and pet sitting – and are currently roaming about South America in a truck camper with our rescue dog, Maya. As lifetime adventurers, we are self-employed and maintain a tight budget. This blog is about all that – and more – to inspire a life less ordinary. Don’t dream but do! 🙂
July 28, 2022 at 05:37
It was wonderful to be able to find an isolated spot to camp.
July 29, 2022 at 15:32
Yes! We usually aim for peace and isolation. Love it! And this lifestyle. 🙂
July 28, 2022 at 06:51
Now, that’s a test drive! I am glad the camper performed well and you obviously had some quality time exploring in nature. Enjoy your time with your family. No way I’d ever do that tunnel crawl.
July 29, 2022 at 15:34
The tunnel crawl was a bit creepy, I have to admit. And painful for the knees. The camper performing well was a huge relief and allowed us to keep plowing away at improvements and important modifications that cost a bit…
July 28, 2022 at 07:21
Ditto on that tunnel crawl, Liesbet! Happy that you were able to escape the extreme heat in the Northwest for the cool Mount St. Helen’s. Enjoy your time with family ‘back home.’
July 29, 2022 at 15:34
Thanks Annie. Belgium has been treating me really well. It’s almost as if it doesn’t want me to leave again. 🙂 I hope your giant roadtrip is going well.
July 28, 2022 at 07:30
Just beautiful! Bet it was cool there with all the snow.
July 29, 2022 at 15:35
It was the best time to be in snow – sunny and warm from the feet up. 🙂
July 28, 2022 at 10:31
Hi Liesbet! Love all the waterfalls. It looks lovely and cool. But is that the old camper or the new camper. I’m obviously confused but thought I read recently that you were going to change it out again??? Anyway, have a great time visiting family and friends. We head home tomorrow and fly through Amsterdam. Wish us luck! ~Kathy
July 29, 2022 at 15:39
Kathy,
Have a smooth and uneventful trip back! Are you staying a few days in Amsterdam? You’re so close to me now…
This is the second truck camper, and third camper. 1) Zesty (which I’m sure you remember) 2) Temp, the fancy European-style one we had for one year and in Baja and 3) this unnamed one. It’s been confusing, because we’ve had so many issues with the current one that we have been keeping an eye on a different one of the same make and model, but we eventually decided to keep this Lance 830.
July 28, 2022 at 10:39
I remember when Mt. St. Helen’s erupted in 1980. Even though where we live in Eureka, CA., almost 500 miles away, the ash traveled this far and beyond. It was an odd sight to see vehicles covered, realizing that the ash was from something so far away.
July 29, 2022 at 15:42
I’m sure people in the PNW who lived there in 1980 were very aware of the eruption of Mount St. Helen. Mark even remembers it from childhood, when he lived in New England. It’s crazy how far ash can fly. And, it’s also very nasty stuff to clean up. The devastation must have been huge!
July 28, 2022 at 11:05
So glad you were able to escape the heat. Looks refreshing. I look forward to hearing all about the issues you’ve been having with the truck camper. I think that’s just one reason we temporarily stopped our truck camper search – concerns over problems. Enjoy your time in Belgium!
July 29, 2022 at 15:46
Hi Ingrid,
I was actually surprised that it was still relatively warm in the woods, which were actually not that much higher in elevation than St. Helens (our base this summer). But the shade made all the difference. The spot on the driveway of our friends is in full sunshine and our camper doesn’t have AC.
At the moment, Mark actually had to escape there again – for an entire week of extreme high temps! – and he decided to drive to the Oregon Coast. The drop in temperature there is huge! Almost unbelievably so, with a 30-degree difference compared to the 100F in Portland!
Camper shopping (especially when not having a another home) is not for the faint of heart. 🙂
July 28, 2022 at 12:26
Did your escape change your ideas about love?
July 29, 2022 at 15:47
I’m trying to find the connection, Connie. I think our time in the woods didn’t change my idea about love, but we were certainly happier overall. 🙂 Dear people passing away changes a few things, though. <3
July 28, 2022 at 13:57
Good job on your tablet – the photos and text came out great. And what photos! It’s hot and humid today in New England, and your photos cooled me off. 🙂 Beautiful pilgrimage into Mt. Saint Helens. Hope you’re having a great visit now in Belgium. xo
July 29, 2022 at 15:49
Yikes about hot & humid. Can you tell those two to go away by next Wednesday? 🙂 Belgium is great. A few positive changes that make it hard for me to leave again.
July 31, 2022 at 14:15
Interesting. Well, you’re a ‘two-country” woman, like I’m a ‘bi-coastal” woman (CA and MA). We can keep both in our hearts. I’m afraid you will get a HUGE dosing of hot and humid on Wednesday and Thursday. Bring a cold compress. 🙂
August 2, 2022 at 20:03
I’m actually getting fed up with these extremely hot temperatures. In Oregon, Belgium, and MA. Sigh. I’m not easy to please as I hate the cold as well. Hmmmm where to go?
July 28, 2022 at 14:16
Hi, Liesbet – This is an awesome post all-around. Three cheers for Maya doing so well. Three cheers for the truck/camper holding up in such terrain. Three cheers for the get-away. And a fourth (very loud) cheer for you successfully leaving your laptop and camera behind!
July 29, 2022 at 15:51
Donna, you are the best cheerleader ever!!! We are pretty darn happy with these last developments, especially after a whole lot of happenings that weren’t worth any cheers. 🙂 I don’t miss my laptop at all, except when a random translation comes my way.
July 28, 2022 at 18:09
Lovely getaway! It must have been such a relief to get out in the wilderness and enjoy the sounds of nature. Btw, you post layout looks just fine… I’m impressed that you were able to do that with your tablet.
July 29, 2022 at 15:54
Thanks, Janis. I have to admit that creating this post took much longer than I anticipated and was not so enjoyable. The writing is okay – I’m used to that for emails and diary entries on here – but the photo captioning and organizing was very tricky. I prefer the laptop! 🙂
Our time in the woods was restorative in so many ways. I can’t even describe our feelings – relief, joy, peace, ease, and… “right”.
July 28, 2022 at 21:42
Hi Liesbet, what an absolutely beautiful getaway!!! It looks like a little piece of heaven. I love the picture of Maya at the Waterfall at June Lake. I’m glad she is now looking back for you and Mark. I bet that makes you both feel good. How wonderful that all of you could walk together in such beauty together. I hope you are enjoying your time in Belgium.
July 29, 2022 at 15:56
Hello Lea,
Yes to all you’re writing. Belgium is great. I always get spoiled here and feel like royalty. A new development – my own place to stay at – has made me even happier while being here.
I’m glad you enjoyed a little sneak peek into our short getaway. I sure hope we will soon be able to make this kind of thing our entire life again. 🙂
July 29, 2022 at 08:56
Believe it or not, Cliff’s relatives were affected by the blow-up of Mt. St. Helens. I remember his dad remarked about the volcanic ash getting into his car motor because it was so fine and penetrated easily. When we visited later, I got the blue tee that I wore when the photo about my glasses’ lanyard was taken. “Even saints blow their tops!” is the inscription.
The park that is so refreshing to campers these days was anything but in 1980 with the eruption that seemed apocalyptic at the time.
If you are still in Belgium, I hope you are enjoying cooler temps.
Another good one, Liesbet! 😀
July 29, 2022 at 08:57
In case you’re still worried, the layout came through perfectly!
July 29, 2022 at 16:02
Thanks, Marian. It looks okay on my tablet too. 🙂
July 29, 2022 at 16:00
Hi Marian,
If I remember right, Cliff’s relatives live pretty close to Mount St. Helens, being in Vancouver, WA, so I’m not surprised they were affected. Volcanic ash is nasty stuff. We had it on the decks of our sailboat at one point as well. I think when sailing by Montserrat in the Caribbean. Yikes!
I love your T-shirt and its inscription. Talking about gifts and inscriptions, I found a great spot for the “Happy Camper” towel you gave us. One day, I’ll take a photo of it and send it to you. When I’m closer to it than 7,000 miles. And if I ever leave Belgium again. 🙂
July 29, 2022 at 08:56
Nature has the power to refresh and recharge our batteries. It sounds like you, Mark and Maya really needed it. Such a beautiful and perfect place to spend a few days totally immersed in nature.
Loving all your photos.
July 29, 2022 at 16:02
Thanks a lot, Gilda. As always, you get us. There was nothing more we needed during that getaway than recharge our batteries. I still can’t believe this was such a successful trip in so many ways. I could get used to that! 🙂
July 29, 2022 at 09:07
Hi Liesbet, What a beautiful place to get away. The scenery looks refreshing and restorative. I’m impressed that you composed and posted this post on a tablet. The layout looks fine. Have a wonderful time in Belgium!
July 29, 2022 at 16:04
Thanks, Natalie. I’m having a lovely time here in Belgium. And then to say that I initially didn’t feel happy and excited to return, as so much was going on in our life in the US. I sometimes forget I have a life here as well. It’s a tad surreal.
Creating a “real” post on a tablet is not recommended. But, in a blue moon, it is manageable. 🙂
July 29, 2022 at 10:03
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Fortunately, you were in the perfect place to do so and gets some much needed R&R. The photos are wonderful and I’m happy to hear the your set-up passed the test. Enjoy your time in Belgium!
July 29, 2022 at 16:06
Thanks, Laura. I’m loving it here again in Belgium. Oh oh… It’s closer to Portugal as well. 🙂
For some reason, doing this little trip to Mount St. Helens ticked all the boxes without us knowing, anticipating, or expecting it. It sure is nice when that happens. As you know!
July 29, 2022 at 14:07
Wishing you a wonderful visit in Belgium! Your time in the mountains looks blissful and rejuvenating. Safe travels ahead.
July 29, 2022 at 16:07
Hi Sue!
Thank you for the sweet and lovely wishes. I hope you two are having the most fabulous (and adventurous) summer!
July 29, 2022 at 17:26
You may remember that I originally came from Washington state. In fact my Mom and Dad had built a lovely home in the countryside of Ridgefield, just north of Vancouver, Washington.
On clear days they could see Mt. St. Helens to the north, Mt. Rainier beyond St. Helens many miles farther north, Mt. Washington to the southeast and Mt. Hood along the Columbia River, just over the Oregon border.
My Mom died in 1975 but my Dad still lived in the country house when Mt. St. Helens blew up. He said the ash began to rain down from the sky like a whiteish-gray snow storm. Using the wipers on the car to be able to drive ground the fine grainy powder into the windshield. They had to put women’s panty hose over the air breathers over the motor to keep the car from getting sand into the cylinders.
August 2, 2022 at 05:45
Thank you for reading my post and commenting here, Cliff! Marian mentioned your relatives in Vancouver, WA. That must have been such cool views of the mountain tops. We sometimes see them from St. Helens, OR, as well on our walks with Maya. But only when it’s a very clear day.
Having ash fly everywhere must have been a weird phenomenon and a mess. We once had to clean some of that up on the decks of our boat, sailing (not even that close) by a volcanic island. I think it was Montserrat in the Caribbean. We didn’t think about party hose. I’m sure people were much more creative for situations like these back then. 🙂
July 30, 2022 at 17:05
Wonderful experiences, Liesbet! Your images of the areas are gorgeous and the weather indeed looked cool and comfy (Not so any more)! Glad you could get away and refresh before your flight!
August 2, 2022 at 19:59
Thanks, Terri. It seems like a long lost memory now – the peace away from it all and the cooler weather. I hope to pick up our lives on the road again soon! And I hope the Spokane area will have cooler temps soon as well.
July 30, 2022 at 18:13
So did you enjoy exploring in the cave? It looks very dark and small.
Glad Temp’s replacement held up. I hope you get a chance to turn this one into a real home.
The NM looks like it was fun. So glad Maya is becoming her best self. It takes time to let go of old habits and to be comfortable in new ones.
August 2, 2022 at 20:01
The cave explorations were a quick endeavor as we didn’t want to leave Maya alone very long and we only had one flashlight. But it was still a cool – literally and figuratively – experience! Next time, we want to do the longer, more challenging route. With two flashlights. 🙂
Maya’s extremely itchy at the moment. I can’t wait until we are all happy, healthy, and traveling together again!! Well, by road not by plane and pretty much any other transportation method these days.
July 31, 2022 at 15:25
Nothing like a dose of Mother Nature!
August 2, 2022 at 20:03
I couldn’t agree more. And, I always want more (of it). 🙂
August 1, 2022 at 09:58
Nothing wrong with the layout of this post. It looks great.
And what great scenery you have shared with us. i love the fact that the mountains still have snow on them in the summer! That’s my kind of place.
August 2, 2022 at 20:05
Thanks for the feedback Hugh. I double checked the layout a few times. Creating the post took so much longer (especially the photo work) that I’d rather not repeat this on my tablet.
I’m glad you like the looks of our little volcano. There are a few peaks like this in southern Washington. Very pretty and refreshing. 🙂
August 3, 2022 at 06:24
I don’t know how some bloggers draft and publish posts from their mobile phones, Liesbet. I need a desktop computer to do all my blogging. I’m not comfortable with drafting and publishing posts on a tablet or phone.
August 7, 2022 at 19:58
Me neither, Hugh. That’s certainly one thing computers – in my opinion – are still needed for: composing and posting blog posts. And, translation work. And research. And probably a few other tasks. 🙂
August 1, 2022 at 22:34
You did well with the tablet Liesbet. And I’ll bet that snow was welcomed escape for getting out of the heat. Kudos to you for travelling light – something I just wouldn’t know how to do. LOL. Enjoy your vacay! Hugs <3
August 2, 2022 at 20:08
You know, Debby, each time I see a lady struggle with her heavy, boisterous luggage, I think about you! 🙂 The coming days bring another heatwave. In Massachusetts this time. It seems to be following me from Oregon to Belgium to MA. Oh well. A reoccurring summer phenomenon. The earth sure is heating up.
August 2, 2022 at 20:17
You are correct, the earth is hot and angry. But you crack me up giving such a bad rap. LOLOL kidding. I guess that’s what I’ll always be remembered for. What an epitaph, lol. Hugs xx
August 7, 2022 at 19:57
Haha! I’m sure you will be remembered for many things, Debby, not in the least for your caring, sweet, supportive, empathetic soul. Your mental suitcases overflow with that. Xxx
August 7, 2022 at 21:21
Thank you for your lovely comment Liesbet. I am smiling <3
August 10, 2022 at 19:12
The thought of you smiling makes me smile. 🙂
August 11, 2022 at 11:40
<3 <3
August 4, 2022 at 15:43
It looks like a wonderful spot, and I hope you enjoyed your trip to Belgium!
August 7, 2022 at 19:59
Hi Debra!
My two weeks in Belgium were wonderful, but too short. As always. I’m really considering going back for much longer (and taking Mark and Maya) one of these years.
August 5, 2022 at 06:10
Beautiful scenery! Looks like Maya enjoyed herself 🙂
August 7, 2022 at 20:00
Maya loves being in the forest, Ronel. I think it’s her favorite “habitat” – more so than the beach, the desert, or someone’s yard. 🙂 There are lots of smells, it’s generally cool, and the territory is expansive and exciting.
August 9, 2022 at 01:37
Your trip into the mountains is exactly like our favourite kind of truck and camper trips — in nature, away from people, in the quiet cool forests. We have a Westland camper ( the same one you saw when you were here). It’s a lightweight three season camper, and it’s served us well with few problems. However, we don’t live in it as our full-time home; our typical length of trip is from 1-6 weeks.
Jude
August 10, 2022 at 19:15
Hi Jude,
I have never heard of a Westland camper (and I probably mentioned that to you on our visit), but I do remember how comfortable and spacious it is inside – the perfect vehicle for getaways in nature! Living in a small camper fulltime is very different from the occasional or short-term trips, as you can imagine. Right now, we are even equipping our camper for extended boondocking abroad… Stay tuned!