As the fog lifted from the valleys, we could see evidence of the landslides and mud flows of 1980. During the eruption, the whole side of the mountain slid off, creating the largest landslide ever recorded. The heat from the blast melted snow and ice that mixed with the ash, dirt and rock creating huge rivers of mud that ripped thru the valley, clogging and rerouting rivers and streams and creating lakes that didn't exist earlier. We saw hillsides of tree stumps, splintered about three feet off the ground, trees that were shattered by the blast. 57 people did not heed the warning and lost their lives to the volcano. Every now and then, the earth reminds man of how insignificant he really is. But 26 years later, we saw new growth everywhere. Wildflowers and tree seedlings are sprouting up from the desolation. The waterways that were superheated organic stews of debris after the eruption are now clear blue lakes and streams, teeming with life. The volcano is silent... for now.