A few weeks after St. Helen's erupted, some friends of mine and I decided to fly over and take a look. My friend George and I flew my Aeronca Chief around the mountain, marveling at the destruction of Spirit Lake and the forest surrounding it. George had climbed the missing face of the mountain in his younger times and was awestruck at the sight. It was the only time I can recall his ever being speechless.

My Chief was not terribly speedy, so we didn't get too close or hang around very long--just enough to get some truly striking pictures of the blown-out face. I am amazed at the restoration Mother Nature has done on the lake and the rest of the area.

Lin