I recently had the opportunity to join a terrific group of climbers in an attempt of a winter climb of Mt. Hood, an 11,200 ft peak in the Oregon Cascade range. Our party of seven (Chris, Kristin, Brent, Jennifer, Jeff, Rob, and myself) caught a 2AM snow cat from Timberline Lodge to the top of the ski runs, and we were on our way up by a little after 3AM. It was a beautiful, clear night with a temperature of around 30F and light wind, and we made good time up past Illumination Rock and on to Crater Rock. Soon after, at around 10,200 ft, we were all forced to descend; me because of altitude sickness and the others soon after because of avalanche danger. It was a fantastic trip even without reaching the summit, and thanks to all for letting me join the group!
 Rob in SnowCat |
 Chris and Jennifer in SnowCat |
 Getting ready to start |
 Rest stop |
 Rob and Carl and sunrise on descent |
 Rob and sunrise |
 Aftermath at Government Camp: Jennifer, Kristin, Brent, Chris, and Carl |
 Jennifer and Brent enjoy breakfast at the Huckleberry Inn. |