Forty Years Ago Today

The day before, I had competed in a martial arts tournament in Medford, Oregon. I had several of my students with me, and I was the designated driver to get us all back home (about a 4-hour drive).  After dropping everyone else off, I finally tumbled into bed around 3am.  At about 8:45, I was awakened by my phone ringing off the hook - it was the radio station I was working for at the time (KGAL), telling me that St. Helens had just erupted, and all hands were to be on deck.