After being rudely turned away last February, I wanted to give Mt. Hood another shot while the snow was still good, so Johnny, Joel and I took advantage of the great weather and headed up on May 12. Since the snow was starting to melt at elevation during the day, we decided to climb at night while everything was still firm and took a 1AM snow cat from Timberline Lodge to the top of the ski runs, and we were on our way up by about 1:45AM, just ahead of the pack. During last February's climb, we did not see any other climbing parties, but on this day we must have seen at least 200 other people also heading to the summit. We made it to the top at about 4:45AM, just before sunrise, but with a terrific view in the pre-dawn light. Made it down uneventfully, and were back in the parking lot by 7AM. Terrific trip.
 Joel checks his avalanche beacon |
 Johnny & Carl; serious climbers |
 Johnny gearing up |
 Joel gearing up |
 Rest break on Hogs Back |
 Joel and Johnny approach summit |
 Johnny and Carl on summit |
 Snow bridge over the opening bergschrund |
 Johnny descending from the Pearly Gates |
 Steam from vent on Crater Rock |
 Some of the pack following us |
 Aftermath in Timberline parking lot |
 And if you're going to wear crampons, try not to trip and kick yourself in the back of the calf like I did |