The ranger at Mt. St. Helens National Monument said, “Well, in answer to your question I’ll tell you about our 6:15 rule.” And he explained that the doors of the Johnston Observatory are closed and locked at 6:00 p.m. In a Murphy’s Law type fashion, the clouds typically clear up around 6:15 p.m. “From what I hear, you have a good chance of seeing the mountain sometime between 6 and 6:30,” he said.
So I waited. I waved goodbye to all the rangers as they left. From the top of an observation hill I watched the parking lot clear out. I found a nice comfortable railing to sit on, beside a trail, with nothing but volcano gorgeousness in front of me… and I waited.
And it paid off.
Incredible!! Did you dance and exclaim out loud (after the shots)?
I would have!!! Patience Rewarded!
In other conditions it would normally have been party time, but that night was so magical… The warmth, the quiet, the view all conspired to humble and silence me. I just wanted to smile and soak it up and drag that day out till the very last possible minute.