Monday, January 2, 2012

Steelhead St Helens in Winter

Steelhead is lovely at any time of the year, but the St Helens region is especially so in winter, with a fresh coating of snow on the ground and a sunny, crisp day. I took the opportunity of just such a day to stroll about the area, snapping pictures along the way.

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A stone church with its simple graveyard stands in contrast to the snow

St Helens is described thusly: "The rustic frontier community is in a valley surrounded by Mt St Helens, Mt Hood, and Garlic Ridge. Picturesque Spirit Lake rests at the bottom of the volcano surrounded by trees and wilderness. American Frontier, rustic scenery with Steampunk Influence."

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The working mill uses water from the strong current to power its operations

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What would a frontier town be without a general store?

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Though most of the area is rustic, at least one fine house stands ready for Christmas

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The Dragon's Rest saloon

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The owner of this house must hope against strong breezes

Of course, the entire area is under the shadow of its two large mountains, giving the feel of being far removed from the rest of Steelhead.

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Merry Christmas to all, and may the new year be happy and prosperous for everyone in the Steamlands!

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