Today was a surprise. We had zero plans but before I knew it we were all piled into my Dads truck and headed up to Mt. St. Helens. When my Mom was alive she started an Adopt-A-Highway 2 mile area for her boyfriend, Doug. When she passed away I transferred it to me and also selected another 2 mile section dedictaed to her. My Mom wanted to be cremated and I chose to put her ashes on the mountain she loved so much. They are located within her 2 mile section. This is a view from her spot.
Since it was Memorial Day I grabbed some flowers for her. She loved purple.
I knew that we would be visiting her place often so I actually placed her ashes about 1-2 feet in the ground. We planted a flowering cherry tree that actually did very well unti this past winter. The snow and elk destroyed it. Now there's just a stub sticking up. Her ashes are between the tree and the rock. I've always loved that rock.
This is a view looking down on her spot. I've always liked the huge log and tree. She has a pretty nice spot and a great view.
Everyone hung out while I took pictures.
I heard the girls laughing and giggling. Once I got back to where I could see everyone I saw this.
There was still snow on the ground and Dad was throwing snowballs at Makinley. She would act all upset and then when he wasn't paying attention she would sneak up behind him and put snow in his back pockets. It was hilarious.
It was really emotional for me to have my Dad and my Mom together in the same place. It will be 5 years in August that Mom has been gone. My Dad has never been to her spot with us before. I never said a word to him about it. Having him there meant so much and I'm sure he has no clue on how much it affected me. I really miss my Mom. I feel so lucky to have this day with my Dad.
There is a view point just below Johnston Ridge. We all got out and checked things out. It was a beautiful day.
Mom and the girls hanging out.
Everyone decided to go on a little hike on this trail. Mom stayed behind since her feet were hurting.
Chipmunks were everywhere. I caught this one in action.
Headed down the trail. Dad just loves my camera :)
Jason being a nerd.
I loved these pics of my Dad and the girls. I'm so glad they get to do things like this with their Grandpa.
Makenna had slipped on the trail so Papa was holding onto her.
Looking towards Spirit Lake. You can see Mt. Adams.
Jason had to take Makinley back to hang out with Mom. We had some tourists take a pic of us on the viewpoint.
Headed back to the truck.
We stopped at Coldwater Lake on the way back.
I LOVE these. I really liked the one in B&W.
The girls sitting on a log at the edge of the water.
There is a waterfall by the road that we always stop at. It felt really good today since it was so hot.
No post is complete without a self portrait. Today was an amazing day. We got to be together as a family and do something I enjoy. I love being outside. I could have sat out on that lookout point all day and just let the wind whip around me. I'm glad Dad also finally made it to Moms spot. He enjoyed himself so much we might get to go hiking for real next weekend. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.
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