Two most interesting facts learned this weekend here at Waist High:
1. Waist High lives in "Volcano Alley."
2. When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 it caused the largest landslide in recorded history.
Greatest celebrity (that had to be reminded to stay on the trails) sighting this weekend in the Mt. St. Helens area: At a Shell station and convenience store on Route 504 near I-5, lines formed five deep at two cash registers. "Business hasn't let up since the first warning of an eruption went out last week," said Nathan McCoy, who was busy ringing up sales of pop, chips, gas and other provisions.
"We even had Geraldo (Rivera) in here at one point," McCoy said of the television news personality. "He stopped in and got some gas and something to eat."
Honorable Mention prize for local asshats remind Waist High why PACIFIC NORTHWESTERNERS RULE goes to: Crowds gathered at what was said to be a safe distance - about 8.5 miles from the mountain - to see what happens next. Barbecues were fired up and impromptu entrepreneurs were selling hot dogs and coffee to people camped along the side of the road in lawn chairs and pickup beds.
Second prize for local asshats remind Waist High why PACIFIC NORTHWESTERNERS RULE goes to: Sitting with a pack of Marlboro Lights and a Living Buddhism magazine on her lap, Bev hoped to be there awhile.
First prize: Scores of cars pulled over to the side of the road where the volcano could be seen. While they waited, some ate sandwiches and stood on top of their cars, cameras poised. A couple of men cracked open beers.
Material: oregonlive.com & katu.com
