The Odyssey of the WASP

[BigV]

Beacon Rock State Park.

Beacon Rock, the core of a young volcano that erupted around 57,000 years ago, had a traditional cone shape until raging Ice-Age floodwaters scoured away at its flanks. Native Americans knew that it marked the last of the rapids on the Columbia River and the beginning of tidal influence from the Pacific Ocean, 150 miles away.

Yes, I climbed a volcano.

In Kandersteg Switzerland there's a trail called the Via Ferrata. When we were there a couple years ago with the troop, I wanted to hike this trail, but the weather never permitted, unfortunately. This picture gives you sample of what I did hike. It's no clip in-spike-to-spike trip, but there is an abundance of railings and switchbacks. It was a magnificent trip. I started out early, and it was raining lightly so I had the volcano to myself. I only saw a couple hikers on my way down.

Beacon Rock, halfway up, looking out at the river, down at the trail, and up to the summit.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Those big trees on the upside of you are going to keep pushing and pushing till the big hunks of ledge supporting them pop off the face of the mountain.

Kind of like children.

[Griff]

Wow! That was worth the wait time loading.