Took a run up to Mt. Saint Helens and Johnston Ridge this afternoon. At 4:00 pm it was 78 degrees in the observatory parking lot (4314' elev.). The view of the volcano was spectacular, but slightly diminished by smoky haze. Beyond Mt. Saint Helens, there was no view, only smoke from fires burning in other parts of the state. On the way down the hill, we took a break for refreshment at the Castle Lake Viewpoint. At 6:30 pm three bulls started bugling around us. The bulls challenged each other for 30 minutes before going silent. We moved down the road to another pullout and listened to another bull bugle for 10 minutes. The "music" stopped at dusk.

It had been 30 years since my wife had heard elk bugling in the woods. Hearing them today was the highlight of the trip for her. I'd like to go back and catch the early morning show!