September 1-7, 2004
Right after South America, Phebe and I booked a trip to Oregon to see Derrick and Flemming. I haven’t seen these guys since Hong Kong and I couldn’t wait to do a “Buddha Shot” with them. Our main agenda was to hike Mt. St. Helens. After South America I was so in shape to conquer. It took me 3 hours to get to the top but I could’ve done it in 2 if it weren’t for all the breaks and stops. I felt bad for leaving the others behind, especially Phebe, but there was no other way. I had quite the chat with Phebe after – if you know what I mean. At the top it was so cold and windy that I was ready to freeze. You could see the crater beginning to smoke. What was funny is that 2 weeks later Mt. St. Helens erupted. Along the path we found a squirrel and I ended up mounting the little guy. The mounter strikes again. After the hike we were all dead tired and went to some Chinese restaurant to have the biggest feast.
Buddha reunion with Derrick and Flemming and Vinh
Final stretch to the top!
On top of Mt St Helens!
The view from the parking lot
Inside the crater