We took a mountaineering (steep snow climbing) class on Wednesday, took a nap, then got up in the middle of the night to start our climb toward the top of Mt Hood. The start was dark and clear and windy. We reached Crater Rook before dawn, had some navigational challenges in the dark, then finally figured out the route up to the Hogsback. With the coming of light, we still couldn't see due to blowing clouds, not quite white-out conditions but we couldn't see all that far ahead of us. We found the Old Chute and ascended from there on perfect snow. John kicked steps and I followed, both of us happy with our ice axes and crampons and new skills. The storm covered us in rime ice, that was interesting. The top ridge was incredibly windy, happily it was only a short walk to the summit.

Needless to say, I didn't take many pictures! We managed one of each of us at the summit, as well as one the day before (in beautiful sunshine). We did a Spot check-in at the summit which is the main proof that we were actually there. What a day!

(Here's a link to my blog post with full report)

Highpoint Index Page

Marcy's Home Page