Steve G. Bisig, Photographer » washington

Where Were You When Mt. St Helens Erupted?

Steve — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:27:31 +0000

Thirty years ago today, was the major eruption of Mt. St. Helens that changed the landscape of Southwestern Washington forever. Even though time has passed, I have vivid memories of that day’s events.

Prior to that memorable weekend, I was lucky enough to witness three steam eruptions during my travels through the area. I thought that was pretty cool at the time. Especially since nobody had any idea of about what was to come.

On the weekend Mt. St. Helens erupted, we were fishing at a bass tournament on Silver Lake in Cowlitz County. If you’re not familiar with Silver Lake, it’s about 30 miles West of Mt. St. Helens. From most of the lake, there are beautiful views of Mt. St. Helens.

On the Friday and Saturday before, we were hoping to see some activity, even something like a steam or ash cloud would be good. Little did we know what was to come.

On the Sunday morning of May 18th, 1980, we woke up very early in the morning to clear blue skies and calm waters. If I remember correctly, we were on the lake at around 6:00 A.M. to start the day’s fishing. Shortly after 8:00, my dad had the urge to head back to shore to take care of business. As we were motoring through the lily pads, my dad pointed at the mountain and said look!!! Just as I looked up, the eruption had just begun. What everybody has seen in the still photos of the initial eruption and landslide is what we witnessed from Silver Lake. Within seconds, Mt. St. Helens was engulfed in an ash cloud.

Once we arrived back to the resort, it was utter chaos. People were freaking out like the world was going to end. People were scrambling to get their boats out of the water and pack up their RV’s. My dad just watched very calmly. By this time, the lightening filled ash cloud pretty much blocked the morning skies. Luckily, no ash fell at our location, considering it was nearly over our heads.

It wasn’t long before we got the word that I-5 was closed at the Toutle River and we wouldn’t be going anywhere soon. So what did my dad do? We drove the boat over to a dockside convenience store, bought beer, and proceeded out into the middle of the lake where we anchored, drank beer and watched the mountain spew out ash. (Remember, times were different then and would not be acceptable today, well kind of).

Later in the day, the I-5 bridge reopened, we loaded up the boat, packed the camper and headed home to Puyallup.

Thinking back, I was in the right place, at the right time to first hand witness a significant event in Washington State history. Since volcanic activity is fairly rare in the continental United States, I consider myself one of the lucky ones to actually have the opportunity to see such an monumental natural event.

Earth

Steve — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:46:49 +0000

The Earth as seen from the Thea Foss Park in Tacoma, Washington. Image taken with my Apple 3GS iPhone.

Historic Edgewood Barn

Steve — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:00:41 +0000

Historic barn in the late afternoon winter sun. Edgewood, Washington.

Image made with an Apple 3GS iPhone.

White Crocus

Steve — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:00:17 +0000

Mid-winter white crocuses blooming in my yard in Edgewood, Washington.

Image made with an Apple 3GS iPhone. Converted to black and white.

Cat

Steve — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:44:46 +0000

Across the street from the fire station at which I work, contractors were installing a retaining pond for a new bank parking lot. From my days as child playing with Tonka trucks, I’ve always loved dirt moving machines so I took the opportunity to shoot this photograph of a small Caterpillar track hoe that was being utilized for the project.

Shot with the Hipstamatic app for iPhone
Lens: John S
Film: Kodot Verichrome
Flash: Off

Angles

Steve — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:00:37 +0000

Tacoma Museum of Art. Tacoma, Washington. Image made with an Apple 3GS iPhone.

Old Logging Equipment

Steve — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:00:45 +0000

Old Logging Equipment (Steam Donkey) at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, Washington.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Film: Ina’s 1969
Flash: Off

Camp 6 Rail Line

Steve — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:00:30 +0000

Camp 6 Rail Line at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, Washington.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Film: Ina’s 1969
Flash: Off

Marine Grain Elevator

Steve — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:00:51 +0000

Marine Grain Elevator operated by the Tacoma Export Marketing Co. on Commencement Bay. Tacoma, Washington.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: John S
Film: Kodot Verichrome
Flash: Off

Thea Foss Waterway

Steve — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:00:43 +0000

Thea Foss Waterway. Tacoma, Washington. In the background are the Tacoma Dome and the cable-stayed bridge over the waterway (State Route 509).

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Film: Ina’s 1969
Flash: None