Mt. Hood Attempt (11,239’) Southside (Hogsback) Route

5,500’ elevation gain, ~8 milesMay 6, 2006

Oblique view of the south side of Mt. Hood. Our route headed up the middle.

But first, a 4 hour delay at the airport on Cinco de Mayo. The plane had a dead

battery (and apparently no jumper cables).

So we made the most of it by drinking margaritas and practicing tying knots.

demonstrating rehydration technique

prusik friction knot for crevasse rescue

Flying in we have a great view of Mt Hood. It looks like a good day’s work.

After a stop at REI for gear, we stumble upon a sushi restaurant that delivers tasty raw fish by choo choo train

After an hour of “sleep” in the cold car along the highway, we pack up our gear and are ready to hit the trail. 3:30 a.m. start.

After 2 hours of climbing in the dark, with Rebecca fighting the urge to throw up, it starts to break day.

I convince her it is “Low Altitude Sickness” and tell her that we must keep moving up.

Forever Moving Up

Being near the top of the ski slopes, we tried hitching a ride on the groomer.

Next time show some leg.

Climbing with the volcano’s shadow cast on the low lying clouds. Beautiful.

The sunshine brings renewed vigor.

Mt Jefferson

“Just a little farther”

Several groups ahead of us.

Lunchtime next to the steaming ground of the volcano. It stinks.Best turkey

sandwich ever!

Time to gear up for the steeper crevassed terrain

It’s definitely getting steeper.

Step quickly…It’s a 60’ drop if the snow bridge collapses (as it did on a snowboarder a couple

weeks ago).

It’s getting tight as we move through the “Pearly Gates”

Okay, maybe there is some resemblance to pearly gates.

The summit

That wasn’t so bad.

Helmets don’t fit well over dreadlocks

Down we go!

Careful of those wild mountain animals!

Why walk when you can sled??

yee haw!

Looking back.

And down to the green forest we go.

The end