I have decided to start climbing with the group of climbers I met in the store while collecting my climbing permit, so that we will have a look-out for each other during the climb. We camped at a relatively flat ground on the flank of the mountain, at an altitude of approximately 40 meters above sea level. As there was no direct sign of imminent eruption, we decided to take the risk to spend the night here - typical consequence of a group of young people being brave enough to do something crazy. Despite the intrepid decision to stay overnight on the mountain, we still had some precautions. We all took turns to take the watch at night for two hours each.
During the long night, we shared about all kinds of things we knew about Mount St Helens. The most interesting thing I learnt was a legend of the indigenous Indian about the volcanoes: Once upon time, a beautiful maiden caused a battle between two rival warriors. They hurled fiery rocks at each other and so angered the Great Spirit that he turned the three into Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and Mount Adams.
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