Better today than yesterday (Sun), when there were still some clouds hanging around the peak. Even so, you could tell there was a plume coming up behind the dome, and now then then it would build up well over the far crater rim.

As usual, just an amazing scene up there. Actually, what amazes me is how green it is. I first got close to St. Helens in 1991, when I hiked up from the Windy Ridge viewpoint (above spirit lake) onto the pumice plain leading down from the crater. Absolutely no vegetation at all, no green whatsoever in that area. Now, it is much more dissected by streams, and you're getting grasses, moss, small plants starting to grow.

Good view of the mountain from Portland today, but the plume hasn't been noticable (Portland faces the intact south side of the mountain; the ampitheater opens to the north).

Pics taken but won't be available for a while. They are on film and I have more travelling to do before I get home and have them processed/scanned.