Castle Rock, WA -- Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center

Visiting the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center was a real blast from the past.

Yes, the pun was intended.

It was more interesting for me because of my own memories, and how different the experience was for my sisters.

Five years apart, I was young when it happened, but still more aware of things.

We talked about it in school a lot. We wrote stories about it before, and then after we used a glaze with ash mixed in it as we made clay bells. I remember the dusting of ash all over the cars and ground.

Then, about five years later, we had a field trip where we went to Windy Ridge (currently inaccessible due to a landslide) and the A-frame house, and before that there was the coffee table book.

There were still many things that didn't sink in. Of course I knew Harry Truman died and some campers (and horses), but I didn't realize how many or how many people lost their homes.

The Visitor Center does a good job of memorializing and explaining, but it hits differently depending on your experience.

Though I only remember one novelty song. 

Something I remembered from later was that part of the death toll was due to the mountain exploding sideways, which had not been expected. 

That started to make more sense.

There is also a lot of context about the regrowth and what scientists are learning from that.

It was interesting to see that all of the Native names for the mountain mentioned "smoke". I guess there were always signs.

There are also hiking trails and paths, and it's a pretty beautiful area.

Just for the record, the mountain was not out.

My least favorite thing was probably actually a good thing.
 

The restrooms are outside the building, meaning if you just go to hike without paying admission, you can still use the facilities.

However, re-entering the building, or coming out of the volcano, you have exited and have to re-enter if you want to go back to anything.

No one harshly asked me for admission when I went back, so I guess it was okay. 

It is not conveniently located, but was worth the day trip. 

COVID: I masked inside, but there is also a lot of outside to enjoy.

Accessibility: This was mostly pretty good. 

The one exception is the previously mentioned volcano. The general lower area has stairs at one end but a ramp at the other. However it appears to go right inside that is only via stairs.

This matters because that was one of the coolest parts. 

https://parks.wa.gov/mount-st-helens-visitor-center 

"101 at 100: This History of Oregon's Most Iconic Highway" at the Oregon Historical Society through October 11th

I have written about exhibits at the Oregon Historical Society before, and I didn't think I was going to write about this one, but then I had to.

I have been thinking a lot lately about big families without a lot of money piling the kids into the car and driving for all vacations.

While that is mainly associated with I-5, Hwy 101 also played an important part. 

Did these come from Agate Beach?

There was also a lot I did not know. 

I had been thinking of 101 as the spur where you decide between Cannon Beach and Seaside; that is mainly how we use it, and three numbers is for spurs and connections. That's what they said on Big Bang Theory.

Perhaps, but 101 pre-dates the Highway Act of 1956.

In fact, US Route 101 (also Oregon Coast Highway 9) was started in 1926. 

It wasn't really complete until the Astoria-Megler Bridge was opened in 1966. I don't think the technology existed for a crossing like that until then.

Indeed, the bridges are a key -- and beautiful -- part of making a way up the Oregon coast, and that was a highlight of the exhibit.

The exhibit will only be around for a few more weeks, but I hope 101 itself lasts a long time.

At least another 100!

COVID: It's indoors. Wear a mask.

Accessibility: OHS has been very good at this, with ramps, elevators, and easy navigability. 

You can find more information at https://www.ohs.org/museum/plan-your-visit.cfm. 

https://www.ohs.org/museum/exhibits/101-at-100.cfm

 

Columbia River Gorge -- Crown Point Country Historical Society

About two years ago we took the Waterfall Trolley Tour. Back then, pickup was at the future site of the new historical society.

The future is here!

Like many historical societies, it was born out of a collection of artifacts and memories from people tied to the area.

I think this is the newest one we have ever visited.

There was some delay from a desire to make sure that each stage was fully paid for before proceeding.

I should clarify that the location is new, but the society itself is one of the oldest ones West of the Mississippi, and it has previously operated in the Springdale school.

They can be helpful for research as well.

Still, the location is new and beautiful. 

That newness means that there is a lot that can still happen, but there is already quite a bit available.

The space is light and airy, with the design partially based on the World's Largest Log Cabin as featured at the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exhibition.

People there were eager to answer questions and well-versed in information about the exhibits.

Of course, they would generally have their own sense of connection.

There were also activities available to enrich the experience and entertain children.

I appreciated the nod to the area's pre-history as well.

Also, I having known a few rockhounds, it made me smile to see this.

It is a good place to visit now, and has great potential for the future.

COVID: I did mask, but the air circulation seemed good and social distancing would also have been very easy.

Accessibility: There was excellent navigation for mobility aids and the accessible bathrooms.

https://www.cpchs.org/