The area absolutely blew our family away. Of course we had seen the documentaries and newscasts during the event but until one tours the area and sees the downed trees countless miles away from the mountain, you simply can't imagine the scope of the blast. It was one of the high points of a trip we took up the west coast.

Volcanos have always fascinated me. The other one that puts me in awe is Kiluea on the island of Hawaii. Last time there we took a long hike into the active fountain called Puu Oo (sp?) over miles of exotic lava beds. It was like a trip back in time and to watch the fountains of lava shooting up in the air was something I'll never forget.