Silver Star Mountain is supposed to have the best view of Mt St Helens—jagged ridges, the volcano’s scar, endless green. I hiked up, legs burning, expecting awe. Instead, I just felt tired. Everyone else took photos, cheered, called it epic. I sat on a rock and stared. I thought maybe the mountain would make me feel something big. But all I could think about was how far I’d walked, and how small the crater looked from here. Sometimes you chase a view because you hope it’ll fix something. Sometimes it’s just a view, and you’re still you, sitting in the wind, waiting for a feeling that doesn’t come. #Travel #TravelExpectations #SoloHiking