Several years ago I wrote a series of posts while on a road trip around Washington State. I used my time as a bored passenger to spot road signs that warned you of your imminent death, and then I made sure all of the other passengers in the car were aware of them.
I find death comforting if I can take a bunch of people with me.
I thought it was time to dust off the old posts and delight you with the signs again – just in time for the summer vacation season. These signs can serve as a cautionary tale, useful when determining what to pack for your trip – I recommend a set of skis to outrun the volcano. You can also play a travel game – the first one to spot all the signs wins! Or loses, depending on how the ocean is feeling at that particular moment. No matter how you choose to look at it, your death could be imminent.
I’ve included the names I gave to each sign underneath their photos, along with the link to the original road trip blog post – in case you want to read of the terror I experienced as I discovered these signs while trapped with nowhere to run. I also talked about candy, so it wasn’t all gloom and doom.
Sasquatch Truck.
This sign was spotted where there were no intersections and no physical way for a truck to be driving there. Other signs notified us we were in Sasquatch Country. Sasquatch is Big Foot’s given name. Your adventure begins.
Run From the Volcano As Fast As You Can.
I know what volcanoes look like, I grew up in Hawai’i and they feature heavily in our news cycle. There were no volcanoes where we were driving… Consider this your public service announcement – you can vacation here, but bring skis to escape the carnage.
The Water Is Coming And You Should Climb.
Volcanoes cause earthquakes. Earthquakes cause tsunamis. Tsunamis cause humans to get to high ground. On the volcano that caused all of this to begin with. Instead of drowning in the tsunami, you are essentially picking death by lava. Good plan.
The Water Is Here To Kill You.
If you follow this sign you will climb a volcano – which is simultaneously warning you to turn around with its own set of arrows and evacuation routes. You end up going in a circle. Which somehow seems better than just sitting there doing nothing as death approaches.
Even The Wildlife Don’t Camp Here.
I just need to state something very clearly. If the bears and mountain lions are scared of this place, you are ridiculous to camp here. You cannot achieve hero status for dying a stupid death. You can achieve hero status by toasting the perfect marshmallow over the fire, in your living room fireplace.
You Should Turn The Car Around.
If you make it to the top without turning around, you are unconsciously searching for the Run From the Volcano As Fast As You Can sign that was in the other parks with volcanoes. There are none of those signs in this area. This volcano is a beast who wipes out everything for miles around. Now turn the damn car around!
You Managed To Visit Without Dying.
I bet you almost peed your pants though, didn’t you?! You also forgot to visit the museum in your attempt to flee while you still had a chance. You obviously have a strong instinct for survival. As a reward, you should find the nearest hotel a hotel at least 20 miles from the volcano and enjoy an adult beverage in their bar. You’ve earned it.
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Thank goodness you survived your vacation to write about it! I never know Washington could be such a perilous place! 🙂
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It’s a rogue area 🤣
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I was going to say I’m in need of a good road trip but maybe it’s safer if I just stay home, lol. Here in Arizona, there is little chance of a tsunami or volcano so I’m in a good spot!
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Oh yeah, Arizona is a nice spot!
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My immediate thought was where the whatsinames were you holidaying Heather! Looks like hazards at every road bend.
https://www.muttonstyle.com
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I was cracking up because these signs all seem so normal to me but to someone else they are shocking to see! My sis in law is convinced my area will explode in the next few years.
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Certainly not for the faint -hearted! My idea of a vacation is lounging by the pool!
#GlobalBlogging
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I miss my parent’s pool all the time!
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Wow what a road trip! I am surprised you lived to tell the tale #AnythingGoes
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Checking back in with #globalblogging
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Right?! Death at every turn!
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Oh dear! Perhaps a camping in the backyard would be better. lol #GlobalBlogging
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Or in the RV right in our driveway! Definitely safer!
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Altogether, sing along … “Tsumami, oh, oh! Cantare, oh, oh, oh,oh …”
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Hahahaha! My nephew seemed pretty enthralled by a large wave of water!
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Aaarrggh I think I should probably stay home! There’s an awful lot of danger out there!! #globalblogging
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Danger danger everywhere.
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We loved our trip through the Pacific Northwest, the only place in the world where they will let you drive so fast on roads that are SO TWISTY!
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Yeah, they do seem to really love danger in this state!
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These are AWESOME!!! I was in Georgia and there was a sign warning not to sunbath as there was snakes present. WHAT?? #anythinggoes
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Can a snake not bite you while wearing a tank top and shorts?! That sign would startle me, I’m scared of snakes because Hawai’i has ZERO!
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hahahahahahahahahaha #stilllaughing hahahahahahaha ..and breathe . thanks x #globalblogging
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I’m glad you loved it, I did enjoy seeing all the ways to die in WA. It’s fun to point out to visiting family now!
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Hilarious! I am sure it wasn’t at the time though… Were you terrified all the time or able to take the crazy ones with a pinch of salt? #globalblogging
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I wasn’t worried because we have all these signs in Hawai’i so I’m used to them. I actually didn’t even notice the first few until my relatives in the car pointed them out!
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Those Tsunami signs really stressed me in Thailand – I was happier just being ignorant. In hawaii we stayed in a place that had a detailed evacuation on the door (don’t wait to feel shaking, it’s already too late; don’t wait for the alarm, its already too late) – and given the hill we had to run up to be safe, it was also going to be too late…sometimes ignorance is bliss.#GlobalBlogger
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I definitely think ignorance can be bliss, but I’m also a fan of giving it my best shot to outrun a volcano!
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Thank you for sharing this. Was gripped from beginning till end! #GlobalBlogging
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….I think I’ll just stay home, thanks! #GlobalBlogging
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Oh dear these signs would freak me out plus people tend to never really pay attention to it. But with volcanoes erupting these days – you need to be mindful of that sign #globalblogging
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I had no idea Washington had all those signs. I love the whole bit about the volcano causing Earthquakes the Earthquake causing the tsunami and the tsunami causing the humans to climb the volcano lol. And round and round we go! Priceless! #GlobalBlogging
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It’s just busywork to keep us from sitting there as death comes! 🤣
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Gosh your adventure was a tad full on #GlobalBlogging
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