Warm ocean breezes, swaying palm trees, spectacular sunsets, sparkling aqua blue waters, and fantastic fishing are just a few of the reasons why The Florida Keys are such a popular destination. It’s America’s Caribbean. It’s a place where your only worry is how to relax. Is it sitting on a beach reading a novel, snorkeling near a man-made or natural coral reef, reeling in a blue marlin, or gazing out at the Gulf of Mexico?
We here at Great American Vacation Ideas are extremely excited to introduce our newest travel guide – The Florida Keys. Yes, there are plenty of Keys travel guides out on the market. So, what makes our guide so special? One – our travel writer has actually lived and spent time in the Florida Keys. Twenty years to be exact. She knows the local haunts, the touristy areas, and all in between. Two – companies do not pay to be listed in our travel guides. We do not accept “comps” to review hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, etc. The recommendations you receive are unbiased.
What can you expect in our Florida Keys travel guide? Our Keys guide doesn’t just focus on the major Keys like Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West. The smaller Keys deserve a little respect too. Learn about:
•When to Visit the Florida Keys - It’s not during the summer and it isn’t during the high season! Plus, we give you a few hints on how to get the best deals on lodging and even airfare.
•What to Expect During Your Visit – Miles of endless sandy beaches and dozens of 5 star accommodations is not what you will find down here
•What to See, Where to Stay and Eat, and the Best Places to Shop - Our Florida Keys guide starts out in Key Largo and takes you all the way deep into the heart of the Dry Tortugas. It’s all you need to plan out your perfect Keys vacation. Discover state parks, touristy attractions, off the beaten path adventures, and beaches. Learn about the best places to stay (beware of internet photos!), and find out where the freshest seafood can be found. Discover where the locals head for the best breakfasts and Cuban cuisine.
•Dive or Snorkel? - The country’s best diving and snorkeling can be found inside Florida’s coral reefs. Swim with sea creatures around a sunken 1700’s Spanish galleon or take an underwater picture of yourself next to the famed Christ of the Abyss Statue. Want more? Well, you are going to have to buy the guide!
•Pet Friendly Places – More and more people are taking their furry best friend with them on vacation. The Florida Keys is very pet friendly. Dogs even have their own special beach in Key West! Learn about pet friendly beaches, hotels, and even a restaurant with its very own doggie menu!
For a limited time, you can purchase The Florida Keys guide for just $5.99! What a small price to pay for the ultimate Keys travel guide. You won’t have to click from website to website to learn about attractions or where to stay. We’ve done all the hard work for you!
To purchase The Florida Keys guide at this special introductory price, visit www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Florida.html and click on the Buy Now button.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
One Last Chance to See Space Shuttle Atlantis on the Launch Pad
If all goes according to plan, July will mark the end of the country’s space shuttle program. Space shuttle Atlantis is set to blast off into space on July 8th. This means there are only a few short weeks left to see the shuttle perched on her seaside launch pad. Then, the era of manned space flight will temporarily come to a close. Future U.S. manned launches will be years, if not decades, down the road.
There are two options to see the space shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Canaveral National Seashore provides a cheap and fun (who doesn’t want to spend a day at the beach?) way to see Atlantis. Kennedy Space Center is your other alternative – but it will cost you!
Canaveral National Seashore
The southern edge of Canaveral National Seashore butts right up against the Kennedy Space Center. Only in Florida can you spread out your beach blanket in the shadow of towering rockets. Canaveral National Seashore is rustic – there are no towering high rises or condominiums on this beach. The seashore reflects the natural beauty of Florida’s Atlantic Coast and space ships!
As you enter the southern part of the Seashore, you will get great glimpses of the famous Vehicle Assembly Building. There are ample pullouts, heading out to the beach, where you can see Atlantis perched on her launch pad. You will be about 5 miles away, but on a clear day you will get great views. Bring your binoculars and long range camera lens for some terrific pictures.
Once you hit the beach, toss off your sandals and begin walking towards the south. You will be able to see Atlantis once again perched on the pad. NASA does restrict beach access at a particular point. Don’t try to break through the barrier. The area is monitored by armed security personnel. The Seashore will close a few days before the launch. For more information and entrance fees, visit www.nps.gov/cana
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This isn’t your typical visitor center. It’s filled with guided tours of the space center, IMAX movies, rockets, encounters with former astronauts, space themed memorabilia, and even a space shuttle themed ride. The guided bus tour will take you as close as civilians can get to space shuttle Atlantis. One of the tour’s stops will be at the LC 39 Observation Gantry. It’s up to you how many stairs you want to climb to see the Space Shuttle perched on the pad. You will still be a few miles away, but the views are impressive. Plus, you get to see that famous countdown clock and drive right past the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Admission prices for a day at the complex are around $43. Discounts are given for military personnel. Certain tour areas may be closed a few days before the launch. For more information, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com
There are two options to see the space shuttle sitting on the launch pad. Canaveral National Seashore provides a cheap and fun (who doesn’t want to spend a day at the beach?) way to see Atlantis. Kennedy Space Center is your other alternative – but it will cost you!
Canaveral National Seashore
The southern edge of Canaveral National Seashore butts right up against the Kennedy Space Center. Only in Florida can you spread out your beach blanket in the shadow of towering rockets. Canaveral National Seashore is rustic – there are no towering high rises or condominiums on this beach. The seashore reflects the natural beauty of Florida’s Atlantic Coast and space ships!
As you enter the southern part of the Seashore, you will get great glimpses of the famous Vehicle Assembly Building. There are ample pullouts, heading out to the beach, where you can see Atlantis perched on her launch pad. You will be about 5 miles away, but on a clear day you will get great views. Bring your binoculars and long range camera lens for some terrific pictures.
Once you hit the beach, toss off your sandals and begin walking towards the south. You will be able to see Atlantis once again perched on the pad. NASA does restrict beach access at a particular point. Don’t try to break through the barrier. The area is monitored by armed security personnel. The Seashore will close a few days before the launch. For more information and entrance fees, visit www.nps.gov/cana
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This isn’t your typical visitor center. It’s filled with guided tours of the space center, IMAX movies, rockets, encounters with former astronauts, space themed memorabilia, and even a space shuttle themed ride. The guided bus tour will take you as close as civilians can get to space shuttle Atlantis. One of the tour’s stops will be at the LC 39 Observation Gantry. It’s up to you how many stairs you want to climb to see the Space Shuttle perched on the pad. You will still be a few miles away, but the views are impressive. Plus, you get to see that famous countdown clock and drive right past the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Admission prices for a day at the complex are around $43. Discounts are given for military personnel. Certain tour areas may be closed a few days before the launch. For more information, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com
Friday, June 10, 2011
Yellowstone National Park Isn’t Just About Old Faithful
Millions of people make the trip out to Yellowstone National Park each year. They mostly come to see one thing – Old Faithful. Yes, Old Faithful is one of the park’s most “faithful” geysers. But, it is only a small part of what the park has to offer.
If you are looking to find the most geologically active part of Yellowstone, then a trip to Norris Geyser Basin is a must. Here, the earth shakes, rattles, and rolls more than any other area of the park. Shimmering pools can quickly turn into churning, muddy, boiling cauldrons. Lakes crackle. The world’s tallest geyser, Steamboat, occasionally erupts. The Earth’s surface can get so hot that park rangers need to close a few of the boardwalks.
You have two options to explore Norris Geyser Basin. We recommend you spend the time exploring both. You don’t have to be a hard core athlete to walk the trails. Just bring plenty of water – there isn’t much shade here. And don’t forget your camera! Buffalo and elk like to wander through this area.
The 0.5 mile loop around Porcelain Basin takes you past the Black Growler Steam Vent (yes, it sounds like a dragon and stinks like one too!), Constant Geyser (the name says it all), and to Crackling Lake. Crackling Lake may just be the ugliest body of water you ever see. It’s a toxic acidic brew that constantly pops and occasionally boils. But, it is one of the reasons why this section of the park is so very active.
The 1.5 mile Back Basin Loop takes you up close to Steamboat Geyer. When it erupts, it puts on one heck of a show. Steamboat has thrown water and steam as high as 300 feet into the air! You may or may not be lucky enough to witness one of these eruptions. Scientists are not sure what causes this massive geyser to blow her top. But, it is still worth the hike to stand in front of it. The loop also takes you past Echinus Geyser (so acidic that is like vinegar) and Porkchop Geyser (it’s shaped like a chop you enjoy for dinner!)
Norris Geyser Basin is just one of many areas you will want to explore in the park. Interested in learning more? We have created the ultimate Yellowstone National Park travel guide to help you plan your dream vacation. Our guide provides you in-depth details about the park’s trails, canyons, shimmering lakes, mud pots, geysers, hot springs, sparkling pools, petrified trees, and wildlife. Go to www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and order on today!
If you are looking to find the most geologically active part of Yellowstone, then a trip to Norris Geyser Basin is a must. Here, the earth shakes, rattles, and rolls more than any other area of the park. Shimmering pools can quickly turn into churning, muddy, boiling cauldrons. Lakes crackle. The world’s tallest geyser, Steamboat, occasionally erupts. The Earth’s surface can get so hot that park rangers need to close a few of the boardwalks.
You have two options to explore Norris Geyser Basin. We recommend you spend the time exploring both. You don’t have to be a hard core athlete to walk the trails. Just bring plenty of water – there isn’t much shade here. And don’t forget your camera! Buffalo and elk like to wander through this area.
The 0.5 mile loop around Porcelain Basin takes you past the Black Growler Steam Vent (yes, it sounds like a dragon and stinks like one too!), Constant Geyser (the name says it all), and to Crackling Lake. Crackling Lake may just be the ugliest body of water you ever see. It’s a toxic acidic brew that constantly pops and occasionally boils. But, it is one of the reasons why this section of the park is so very active.
The 1.5 mile Back Basin Loop takes you up close to Steamboat Geyer. When it erupts, it puts on one heck of a show. Steamboat has thrown water and steam as high as 300 feet into the air! You may or may not be lucky enough to witness one of these eruptions. Scientists are not sure what causes this massive geyser to blow her top. But, it is still worth the hike to stand in front of it. The loop also takes you past Echinus Geyser (so acidic that is like vinegar) and Porkchop Geyser (it’s shaped like a chop you enjoy for dinner!)
Norris Geyser Basin is just one of many areas you will want to explore in the park. Interested in learning more? We have created the ultimate Yellowstone National Park travel guide to help you plan your dream vacation. Our guide provides you in-depth details about the park’s trails, canyons, shimmering lakes, mud pots, geysers, hot springs, sparkling pools, petrified trees, and wildlife. Go to www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/National_Parks and order on today!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Visit John Wayne’s West – Monument Valley
“So this is where God put the West” – John Wayne famously said about Monument Valley. If you have ever seen a John Wayne Western, chances are you have seen the stunning beauty that is Monument Valley. Movies like Stagecoach, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and The Searchers used this landscape as their backdrop.
Tucked away on the Utah– Arizona border, lies some of the most spectacular and recognizable scenery of the American West. It’s located right in the middle of desert country. Sagebrush rolls across the road in this dry, dusty land. The deep blue sky seems endless. And, then as you approach, this flat dry landscape changes. Towering buttes rise off the valley floor and soar into the sky. Some are weathered by erosion, others look like towering spires, and others oddly resemble a set of mittens. It’s breathtaking in a land that seems so harsh.
This isn’t a place where you just get out of your car and snap some pictures. This is a place that must be experienced up close and personal. Why? The history here isn’t just about the Hollywood movies that were made here. It’s home to the Navajo – a people that still follow their ancestors storied traditions. Hogans still dot the valley floor. Certain areas are off limits, unless you are accompanied by a Navajo guide. Tradition runs deep here.
The Navajo operate the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Here, you can take your own car on a 17 mile scenic drive. The road is dusty and not paved, giving you the true feel of a Western adventure. The drive snakes around the valley’s most famous features, with plenty of overlooks for picture taking. But, we recommend going with a Navajo guide. Each feature has a unique Navajo legend attached to it that only the guide can truly relate. Plus, you are able to learn about the Hogan way of life and famous events (like Kit Carson) that took place on the valley floor.
There are plenty of tour operators in the area. Our favorites are the ones operated out of Gouldings Lodge – a famous historical lodge built back in the 1930’s. You can choose from a ½ day, full day, or moonlight tour of the Valley floor. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, pick the Mystery Valley tour. This will take you deep into those prohibited areas to learn more about Navajo legend and lore. For tour information, pricing, and tickets, visit www.gouldings.com.
Looking to plan your visit to Monument Valley? Visit www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Regional_Vacations and purchase our Monument Valley guide. Learn about in-depth ways to see the valley, the best places to stay and eat, and a little history about this phenomenal part of the American West.
Tucked away on the Utah– Arizona border, lies some of the most spectacular and recognizable scenery of the American West. It’s located right in the middle of desert country. Sagebrush rolls across the road in this dry, dusty land. The deep blue sky seems endless. And, then as you approach, this flat dry landscape changes. Towering buttes rise off the valley floor and soar into the sky. Some are weathered by erosion, others look like towering spires, and others oddly resemble a set of mittens. It’s breathtaking in a land that seems so harsh.
This isn’t a place where you just get out of your car and snap some pictures. This is a place that must be experienced up close and personal. Why? The history here isn’t just about the Hollywood movies that were made here. It’s home to the Navajo – a people that still follow their ancestors storied traditions. Hogans still dot the valley floor. Certain areas are off limits, unless you are accompanied by a Navajo guide. Tradition runs deep here.
The Navajo operate the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Here, you can take your own car on a 17 mile scenic drive. The road is dusty and not paved, giving you the true feel of a Western adventure. The drive snakes around the valley’s most famous features, with plenty of overlooks for picture taking. But, we recommend going with a Navajo guide. Each feature has a unique Navajo legend attached to it that only the guide can truly relate. Plus, you are able to learn about the Hogan way of life and famous events (like Kit Carson) that took place on the valley floor.
There are plenty of tour operators in the area. Our favorites are the ones operated out of Gouldings Lodge – a famous historical lodge built back in the 1930’s. You can choose from a ½ day, full day, or moonlight tour of the Valley floor. For those seeking the ultimate adventure, pick the Mystery Valley tour. This will take you deep into those prohibited areas to learn more about Navajo legend and lore. For tour information, pricing, and tickets, visit www.gouldings.com.
Looking to plan your visit to Monument Valley? Visit www.greatamericanvacationideas.com/Regional_Vacations and purchase our Monument Valley guide. Learn about in-depth ways to see the valley, the best places to stay and eat, and a little history about this phenomenal part of the American West.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Where to Find the Fountain of Youth
Captain Jack Sparrow may be searching for the Fountain of Youth in the latest installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. But, we have already found it. OK – technically Ponce de Leon found it. And you can not only visit it, but drink from its eternal spring!
Saint Augustine, Florida is home to the famous Fountain of Youth. Now, drinking from this spring won’t make you 21 again, but it is trip through some of Florida’s most storied history. It is at this very spot that Ponce de Leon stepped foot onto North America. Today, it is one of Saint Augustine’s most visited attractions.
People do come to the Fountain of Youth to drink from the fabled spring, but that isn’t all this archeological park offers. Plan of spending a few hours exploring:
•The Spring House – This is where the famed Fountain of Youth lays. You have the opportunity to take a sip of the cool, slightly salty water. Dioramas and exhibits show just how this area must have looked to Ponce de Leon in the 1500’s.
•Planetarium / Discovery Globe – There were no apps or GPS when Ponce de Leon discovered Saint Augustine. He and his crew relied on the starry sky to help guide them towards North America. Here is your chance to see just how that starry sky led him to this very location.
•Timucua Indian Village – Before the Spanish discovered Saint Augustine, the Timucua Indians called these shores homes. Experience life in this authentic Indian village. Docents tell tales of how this tribe hunted, defended, and lived. You may even be invited to participate in a little demonstration about Indian life.
•Archeology Exhibits – Plenty of archeological artifacts have been found on these grounds. Exhibits throughout the park show the historical significance of what was found here. You may even get to see a few archeologists working on an excavation dig here!
The park is located in the heart of the historical district on Matanzas Bay. Live cannon demonstrations and living history events take place throughout the year. Special celebrations commemorating Ponce de Leon’s famous discovery occur each year too.
For more information, visit the park’s official website: www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
Saint Augustine, Florida is home to the famous Fountain of Youth. Now, drinking from this spring won’t make you 21 again, but it is trip through some of Florida’s most storied history. It is at this very spot that Ponce de Leon stepped foot onto North America. Today, it is one of Saint Augustine’s most visited attractions.
People do come to the Fountain of Youth to drink from the fabled spring, but that isn’t all this archeological park offers. Plan of spending a few hours exploring:
•The Spring House – This is where the famed Fountain of Youth lays. You have the opportunity to take a sip of the cool, slightly salty water. Dioramas and exhibits show just how this area must have looked to Ponce de Leon in the 1500’s.
•Planetarium / Discovery Globe – There were no apps or GPS when Ponce de Leon discovered Saint Augustine. He and his crew relied on the starry sky to help guide them towards North America. Here is your chance to see just how that starry sky led him to this very location.
•Timucua Indian Village – Before the Spanish discovered Saint Augustine, the Timucua Indians called these shores homes. Experience life in this authentic Indian village. Docents tell tales of how this tribe hunted, defended, and lived. You may even be invited to participate in a little demonstration about Indian life.
•Archeology Exhibits – Plenty of archeological artifacts have been found on these grounds. Exhibits throughout the park show the historical significance of what was found here. You may even get to see a few archeologists working on an excavation dig here!
The park is located in the heart of the historical district on Matanzas Bay. Live cannon demonstrations and living history events take place throughout the year. Special celebrations commemorating Ponce de Leon’s famous discovery occur each year too.
For more information, visit the park’s official website: www.fountainofyouthflorida.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Best Ways to Experience Mount Saint Helens
A visit to Mount Saint Helens is an incredible experience. There is no other place like it on Earth. Scientists have an actual living laboratory where they can see first-hand how nature is able to recover after an explosive volcanic eruption. In 1982, over 100,000 acres were set aside for this purpose. Today, thousands flock to the Mount Saint Helens National Monument to catch a glimpse of this violent volcano.
You can hike, climb, or even explore underneath this massive volcano. There are plenty of overlooks for the less adventurous to enjoy too. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience Mount Saint Helens.
•Johnston Ridge Observatory – This is one of the best places to start your visit to the volcano. The observatory, named after late geologist David Johnston, is built on the site were David uttered his last words about the volcano. On the morning of May 18, 1980, he shouted into his radio, “Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it" - just as the mountain began to erupt. The observatory provides a great overview of the eruption, geological history, and a movie. You can take a slightly strenuous half-mile hike to see a stunning view of the mountain.
•Windy Ridge Viewpoint - This will be your best vantage point of the volcano and famed Spirit Lake. At this point, you are only 4 miles from the volcano’s crater. It’s as close as you can get without climbing the mountain or taking a very long hike. You will have to do a little work though to see this spectacular view - climb 392 wooden stairs. The huffing and puffing is totally worth it. Rangers are often on-hand to give short talks and answer questions about the volcano.
•Harmony Trail – Spirit Lake was once a glittering shimmering lake that provided a perfect reflection of Mount Saint Helens. May 18, 1980 changed the lake forever. It is now hundreds of feet higher and is littered with fallen trees that were blasted off the ridges. But, it still has its beauty in this moon-like landscape. The trail will take you right down to Spirit Lake’s shoreline and provide some terrific views of the volcano and crater. Imagine how it looked just 31 years ago when century old fir trees lined this lake! The trail does descend quite quickly (600 feet), so you should be in pretty decent shape. Bring plenty of water too – there is no shade since all the trees were blasted away.
•Meta Lake Trail #210 – Meta Lake was one of the few survivors of the May 18th eruption - primarily because it was still covered with snow and ice. A short, easy ½ mile trail takes you to the lake’s shoreline. Near the trail-head is the Miner’s Car. The car is a twisted heap of metal, courtesy of being in Mount Saint Helen’s way the morning of May 18th.
•Ape Cave – For the ultimate underground St. Helen’s adventure, take the Lower Ape Cave trail. Ape Cave is one of the country’s longest lava tubes, stretching over 13,000 feet. Lava coursed underground here over 2,000 years ago. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. It’s pitch dark, cold, and dank. You will need to dress warmly, bring strong sources of light, and not be completely afraid of the dark. Sturdy shoes are a must too – the trail is bumpy and rocky. Take the down-slope part of the trail – it’s about a 4,000 foot walk and will provide plenty of adventure!
You can keep tabs on the volcano from your home computer by visiting: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/. You are able to see real-time data about earthquakes striking near and on the mountain, along with current volcanic activity in the area. It’s your chance to become a budding volcanologist or geologist. There is even a link to the Volcano Cam – providing live pictures of the restless volcano.
You can hike, climb, or even explore underneath this massive volcano. There are plenty of overlooks for the less adventurous to enjoy too. Here are a few of our favorite ways to experience Mount Saint Helens.
•Johnston Ridge Observatory – This is one of the best places to start your visit to the volcano. The observatory, named after late geologist David Johnston, is built on the site were David uttered his last words about the volcano. On the morning of May 18, 1980, he shouted into his radio, “Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it" - just as the mountain began to erupt. The observatory provides a great overview of the eruption, geological history, and a movie. You can take a slightly strenuous half-mile hike to see a stunning view of the mountain.
•Windy Ridge Viewpoint - This will be your best vantage point of the volcano and famed Spirit Lake. At this point, you are only 4 miles from the volcano’s crater. It’s as close as you can get without climbing the mountain or taking a very long hike. You will have to do a little work though to see this spectacular view - climb 392 wooden stairs. The huffing and puffing is totally worth it. Rangers are often on-hand to give short talks and answer questions about the volcano.
•Harmony Trail – Spirit Lake was once a glittering shimmering lake that provided a perfect reflection of Mount Saint Helens. May 18, 1980 changed the lake forever. It is now hundreds of feet higher and is littered with fallen trees that were blasted off the ridges. But, it still has its beauty in this moon-like landscape. The trail will take you right down to Spirit Lake’s shoreline and provide some terrific views of the volcano and crater. Imagine how it looked just 31 years ago when century old fir trees lined this lake! The trail does descend quite quickly (600 feet), so you should be in pretty decent shape. Bring plenty of water too – there is no shade since all the trees were blasted away.
•Meta Lake Trail #210 – Meta Lake was one of the few survivors of the May 18th eruption - primarily because it was still covered with snow and ice. A short, easy ½ mile trail takes you to the lake’s shoreline. Near the trail-head is the Miner’s Car. The car is a twisted heap of metal, courtesy of being in Mount Saint Helen’s way the morning of May 18th.
•Ape Cave – For the ultimate underground St. Helen’s adventure, take the Lower Ape Cave trail. Ape Cave is one of the country’s longest lava tubes, stretching over 13,000 feet. Lava coursed underground here over 2,000 years ago. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. It’s pitch dark, cold, and dank. You will need to dress warmly, bring strong sources of light, and not be completely afraid of the dark. Sturdy shoes are a must too – the trail is bumpy and rocky. Take the down-slope part of the trail – it’s about a 4,000 foot walk and will provide plenty of adventure!
You can keep tabs on the volcano from your home computer by visiting: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/. You are able to see real-time data about earthquakes striking near and on the mountain, along with current volcanic activity in the area. It’s your chance to become a budding volcanologist or geologist. There is even a link to the Volcano Cam – providing live pictures of the restless volcano.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Visit One of America’s Most Explosive Volcanoes
Mount Saint Helens was once one of America’s most beautiful mountains. Soaring 9,677 feet, this perfectly symmetrical snow-covered mountain was often called “America’s Mount Fujiyama.” Century old fir forests lined her mountain side. The beautiful, blue shimmering waters of Spirit Lake reflected her image perfectly. Thousands of people came to enjoy hikes, fish, and climb the mountain. But, this beautiful mountain was hiding her darker side. She was a volcano just waiting to erupt.
Most Americans had never witnessed a volcano erupt. People in the Pacific Northwest had been warned that the mountain could erupt at some point. Most just shrugged off the warnings. They never could have imaged the utter destruction that was about to be unleashed in May 1980.
It all started rather innocently. On March 20, 1980, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck directly below the mountain. Seismologists were rather alarmed, but were not too overly concerned. On March 27, 1980, Mount Saint Helens erupted. It wasn’t a major eruption, just a little ash and steam. But it was a big deal. The lower 48 hadn’t seen an eruption since Mount Lassen erupted in the early 1900’s.
People began flocking to Mount Saint Helens. She erupted on and off throughout April and it was quite a show. Brief bursts of ash and steam blocked an otherwise beautiful view of the Pacific Northwest. Then, scientists grew increasingly concerned. Mount Saint Helens was literally bursting at the seams. The mountain was bulging out, at a rate of about five feet per day. She had turned into a larger than life pressure cooker. Scientists predicted a huge eruption, but weren’t sure when.
On May 18, 1980, the unimaginable happened. At 8:32AM PST, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the mountain. That was all it took to loosen the bulge and start the largest recorded landslide in history. The mountain was literally tearing herself apart. The avalanche tore down her northern side at record speed. The pressure inside the mountain was too much - she began to erupt laterally – not vertically. Ash, rocks, and glacier debris filled the ash cloud, which was travelling at the speed of sound. Nothing in her path was safe. The beautiful fir forests that lined her slopes were blasted away. Trees were stripped of their leaves or snapped like toothpicks. Mudflows raced down the mountain slopes and flowed into Spirit Lake. The intense speed created a tidal wave, causing the lake to rise and become a churning pool of mud. She wasn’t even close to being done. A vertical eruption shot up 15 miles into the atmosphere sending rock and ash across the Pacific Northwest. By nightfall, the eruption had subsided.
When the eruption was over, Mount Saint Helens was over 1,300 feet shortly. Before the eruption, she had been Washington State’s fifth highest mountain peak. On May 19th, 1980, she was the state’s thirtieth highest peak. Her beautiful landscape now resembled the surface of the moon. Everything within a 17 mile radius northeast of the crater was destroyed or pulverized. Scientists had never before witnessed such an event. They had no idea how long it would take the area to recover.
A visit to Mount Saint Helens National Monument is absolutely amazing. You are able to stand in front of the mountain wondering when she will erupt again. You can walk down to the shore of Spirit Lake and imagine just how beautiful this area once was. You can explore lava tubes below the mountain. And you can see just how amazing Mother Nature truly is. Green shrubs now covers hillsides that were stripped bare. Elk saunter by the crater. Birds chirp and perch themselves on tree trunks. Fish now swim in Spirit and Meta Lake.
Next week, we will tell you how to make the most of your trip to Mount Saint Helens National Monument. We’ll give you hiking suggestions, tell you where the best viewpoints are, and let you know how to keep tabs on America’s most explosive volcano!
Most Americans had never witnessed a volcano erupt. People in the Pacific Northwest had been warned that the mountain could erupt at some point. Most just shrugged off the warnings. They never could have imaged the utter destruction that was about to be unleashed in May 1980.
It all started rather innocently. On March 20, 1980, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck directly below the mountain. Seismologists were rather alarmed, but were not too overly concerned. On March 27, 1980, Mount Saint Helens erupted. It wasn’t a major eruption, just a little ash and steam. But it was a big deal. The lower 48 hadn’t seen an eruption since Mount Lassen erupted in the early 1900’s.
People began flocking to Mount Saint Helens. She erupted on and off throughout April and it was quite a show. Brief bursts of ash and steam blocked an otherwise beautiful view of the Pacific Northwest. Then, scientists grew increasingly concerned. Mount Saint Helens was literally bursting at the seams. The mountain was bulging out, at a rate of about five feet per day. She had turned into a larger than life pressure cooker. Scientists predicted a huge eruption, but weren’t sure when.
On May 18, 1980, the unimaginable happened. At 8:32AM PST, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the mountain. That was all it took to loosen the bulge and start the largest recorded landslide in history. The mountain was literally tearing herself apart. The avalanche tore down her northern side at record speed. The pressure inside the mountain was too much - she began to erupt laterally – not vertically. Ash, rocks, and glacier debris filled the ash cloud, which was travelling at the speed of sound. Nothing in her path was safe. The beautiful fir forests that lined her slopes were blasted away. Trees were stripped of their leaves or snapped like toothpicks. Mudflows raced down the mountain slopes and flowed into Spirit Lake. The intense speed created a tidal wave, causing the lake to rise and become a churning pool of mud. She wasn’t even close to being done. A vertical eruption shot up 15 miles into the atmosphere sending rock and ash across the Pacific Northwest. By nightfall, the eruption had subsided.
When the eruption was over, Mount Saint Helens was over 1,300 feet shortly. Before the eruption, she had been Washington State’s fifth highest mountain peak. On May 19th, 1980, she was the state’s thirtieth highest peak. Her beautiful landscape now resembled the surface of the moon. Everything within a 17 mile radius northeast of the crater was destroyed or pulverized. Scientists had never before witnessed such an event. They had no idea how long it would take the area to recover.
A visit to Mount Saint Helens National Monument is absolutely amazing. You are able to stand in front of the mountain wondering when she will erupt again. You can walk down to the shore of Spirit Lake and imagine just how beautiful this area once was. You can explore lava tubes below the mountain. And you can see just how amazing Mother Nature truly is. Green shrubs now covers hillsides that were stripped bare. Elk saunter by the crater. Birds chirp and perch themselves on tree trunks. Fish now swim in Spirit and Meta Lake.
Next week, we will tell you how to make the most of your trip to Mount Saint Helens National Monument. We’ll give you hiking suggestions, tell you where the best viewpoints are, and let you know how to keep tabs on America’s most explosive volcano!
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