Further Exploits of the Spouse, on Foot

NOTE: If you're interested in the "mystery photo" I referred to in my last post, it's now at the end of my last post.  The Spouse sent it to me of his own free will, so I added it.  It's a good one.  Says a thousand words.

My last few offerings give the impression that the Spouse does nothing but have adventures, but that's not so.  However, last year after the Spouse had accrued vacation at Big Safety for twenty years, the company decided salaried employees could no longer bank their vacation.  The Spouse worked very hard in 2011 and had little time for play.  So, he lost quite a chunk of earned time off.

This summer makes up for last year. I know how hard he worked, so I'm happy to stay home and scold the children while he does all this stuff.

Yesterday on the way home from Costco I stopped a half-mile from home and snapped this shot of our local volcano (squint; it appears faint, in distance).  The day before, the Spouse hiked to the crater rim.

Actually, he reached the rim in time for sunset.  This is the lava dome inside the crater.  Steam comes out most of the time.  If you double-click the photo you can probably see it.

Above is our friend Erik, who climbed with the Spouse.  When you climb a volcano, you can be sure the way will be rocky and dry, and ash will fly up with each step and get in your face.  The view from the top (ha-ha, there is no top...this is a nihilistic sort of climb) is beautiful, however.

Left to right - Mt. Adams, Spouse, moonrise and St. Helens' shadow.

Click play for panorama: