The Volcano Whisperer

As a kid born and raised in Chester California it was our civic duty to know all about the “Only Active Volcano in the Lower 48 United States” which was Mt. Lassen, just a few miles away. It was an easy day trip for the class to see the bubbling mudpots and smell the sulfur in the air. I took a personal liking to that mountain and it seemed tame in spite of the recent eruption in 1910. Hiking to the top only takes a few minutes on an easy trail and the view from the summit is convincing proof there is still fire down below. With clouds rising from the steam vents and the walls of the crater flashing electric yellow from the pure sulfur made it truly feel like the volcano was still alive.

Mt. Lassen’s glory only lasted until 1980 when Mt. St. Helens took over the crown as the Most Active Volcano on the entire North American Continent. Again it felt like it was happening in my own back yard with the ash in the air and all the commotion on the news. Seems like everywhere I go there is another mountain mouthing off. That was when I first got the notion that somehow it was my fault and I had better stop making the mountains mad. I spent years living at the base of Mt. Shasta always looking over my shoulder to see if the mountain was looking back.

Now anyone who has watched the science channels on TV knows that the most active volcano in the USA and maybe the whole world is the one that made the islands of Hawaii. That is one super volcano that has been going on for a long time and I have never been anywhere near the place so at least I am off the hook for that one. But I still wonder whenever I see a volcano spouting off on the news, I can’t help but think that somebody must have done something.

I don’t know why I like all the Natural Disasters so much but you must admit they are exciting. Earthquakes are the worst but unpredictable even when their location is known in advance. Ice Ages are impressive but who can wait that long. Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Cyclones, they are all impressive but so temporary you can’t plan a party. But not the good old volcano. They are always there where you left them ready to provide entertainment at any time.