But first, breakfast was french toast, locally sourced bacon and plenty of coffee. The proprietor who greeted us last night was on duty by himself; his wife was traveling in California. We had a long chat about playing disc golf. He and his wife are professional players, had a variety of resources like a guide to courses worldwide and monthly magazines that listed upcoming tournaments, and had laid out two courses that inn guests could play. They get both competitive players and total newbies trying out the courses.
We drove approximately 100 east miles to Mt. St. Helens National Monument, going directly to the Johnson Ridge Visitors Center, literally at the 'end of the road' at about 5,000 feet elevation and directly facing the blasted side of the mountain. It is a nice visitor center, built in 1997, with a variety of exhibits, a theatre, and lots of ranger presentations. The last time we were here (more than 20 years ago), there was a Coldwater Lake Center, set down in a basin, but this building has totally disappeared.
The weather was fine with a good view of the mountain, the dome, and the surrounding land. Trees are growing taller and the blasted ground was a nice shade of green.
We drove home to Portland, getting back in time for laundry, repacking for the last leg of our tour, dropping off the rental van and attending a symphony (for Betsy and me).
October 15 - We were up and on the road again, this time south on I-5 to Eugene, then southeast over Willamette Pass to Diamond Lake Lodge.
After arriving and checking into a semi-rustic motel unit, we completed a 3-mile stroll along the bike path that encircles Daimond Lake (it is a little over 11 miles around) and then had dinner in the lodge's Bailey Room, while watching a baseball game on TV.
We had a nice views of Mt Thielsen and Mt.Bailey, and we think spotted a few Paciific loons and buffleheads on the lake.
Mt. Thielsen
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