We went to the mountain!

Mount St Helens stands tall and proud amidst a combination of fallen, scattered giant trees, debris, lingering ash, and new growth. Her face has changed, and she has no green on her upper side, but she's standing. She stands in defiance of the evolutionist or old-earth creationist and laughs as, in our lifetime, we see the mystery unfold. Walking around that place is to feel the mighty hand of God Himself. One of our guides quoted a scripture just as we began our ascent, and I do not know it by heart, but it talks about the devastation God has brought. It looks, when you are standing there, like someone plucked each tree from its spot and tossed it. HUGE root systems, lying on their sides. Everything destroyed. But you also see all of the new growth, the animals returning, and the mountain coming back at amazing speed. No, it's not taking "billions and billions of years". And much of what you are able to observe is similar to the effects the flood of Noah had on the earth, which so-called scientists have attempted to deny. I believe God knew that men would witness this and have to force themselves to just look away, or to know that there is a Creator and He deserves to be acknowledged.

We left (I ALMOST SAID "WENATCHEE") here at a little after 5:30 I think. We drove down to Randle (?) in the area of I5/SR12. I slept a LOT on the way, so the trip went very quickly. At breakfast I was very relieved, because we ran into many of the other people who would be hiking, and they were all at least 15 years older than me! At that point I knew I could make the climb.

The first fun thing we got to see was on 25 road, wherever that is! There was a black bear, a young one, just sitting on the road as we approached. It casually stood up and walked off, and I could not get to the camera on time or I would have a great picture.

We gathered with our group, and stood at the trail head, a diverse community. There was an engineer, several scientists, a lecturer and keeper of a museum, a teacher, and many others. The common ground among us was faith in God and a belief that the literal interpretation of scripture where creation is concerned is paramount to the Christian faith.

WHAT A DAY. It is rare that you have one of those days that sort of does it all. The sights, sounds, smells... amazing. The company... amazing. The conversation... amazing and God-honoring. For the whole day we were in this odd community, and I loved every single minute. Except for those lung wrenching quick ascends up the gravel strewn path. Those hurt. But they were well worth it. Sitting in the snow was SO GREAT on this hot, hot day.

We hiked for a total of 4.4 miles up and back, and gained 800 feet in altitude. The trip down was WAY easier!!!!!

I learned a lot, but the main thing I took away was - we NEED to be surrounded, as often as possible, by believers who encourage and sharpen us. Who challenge us to THINK.

I am sore! But I am not sorry, and I'd take that hike again in a moment. I even got new hiking shoes and pants. I was VERY thankful for both by the end of that hike.

That was my day on Saturday. What did YOU do??? Ha ha ha.