Mt. Hood Climbers - Congratulations!!

This weekend, the Mt. Hood climbers realized their dreams.  They climbed on two days, June 25th and 27th.  The following are the reports by Jennifer, the organizer of Reach The Summit.
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Reach The Summit
Mt. Hood Trip Report
June 25, 2010

The first Reach The Summit climb of 2010 was a big success with 14 of the 15 attempting climbers making it to the top!

After spending the day in snow climb class with Timberline Mountain Guides on June 24, Team "Hood Fruit Salad” (ask one of them to explain the name to you) had dinner and a brief nap at Silcox Hut before their climbs. The RTS Hood climbers were joined by RTS volunteers Joe G and Marty and myself.

We had a midnight and 1:00 am snow cat so the entire team was above 8500 feet by 2:00 am. The snow conditions did not require crampons for the first hour or so but we had great “steps” and the team progressed up the mountain without incident. Just elow Crater Rock snow conditions hardened up a bit and we all put on the crampons and the snow conditions continued to be generally ideal for the rest of the climb. No icy spots or post-holing! The weather was clear and warm early in the climb and we were treated to a beautiful full moon. Many climbers did not even need their headlamps and opted to climb by moonlight. About an hour into the climb the wind picked up making the air temps colder and some high level clouds rolled in making for an incredibly cool moon-set over the lights of Portland. Of course everyone had enough gear to keep reasonably warm cold and the wind all but stopped once we hit the Hogsback.

At about a third of the way up (about 1,000 vertical feet into the climb), Christine Hansen made the tough decision to return to Silcox Hut with “take-down” guide Sheldon. The rest of the climbers continued the ascent to the Hogsback, traversed the Hot Rocks and ascended via the Old Chute route. Conditions remained excellent and the teams made their way up the steepest part of the climb without incident. Despite high clouds, the summit had spectacular 360 degree views of Rainier, St. Helens, Adams and Jefferson. Summit stays lasted about 30 minutes giving climbers a chance to snap photos, call and text friends and family and enjoy the spectacular view from the top of Oregon! The teams then made their way back down the same route to Silcox for some well-earned hot waffles and eggs!

The first teams returned to Silcox Hut by around 9:30 am and the last group arrived around 11:30 am.

Special thanks to our amazing TMG guides – Joe, Nick, Chris, Ben, Rodney, and Sheldon for leading the way and keeping us safe.

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Reach The Summit

Mt. Hood Trip Report
June 27, 2010

The second Reach The Summit climb of 2010 was a big success with 14 of the 15 attempting climbers making it to the top! Hillarie and April were not able to climb with the team due to medical reasons but they will have a chance to do so with Timberline Mountain Guides when they are feeling better. They both came up to Silcox Hut to support and encourage the team last night and this morning!

After spending the day in snow climb class with Timberline Mountain Guides on June 26, Team "Lunar-Tics” had dinner and a brief nap at Silcox Hut before their climbs. The RTS Hood climbers were joined by Montana RTS Coordinator Alison James and me.

We had a midnight which made it to the top of the Palmer but because of slushy snow conditions the 1:00 am snow cat was only made to 8100 feet, adding a 400 “bonus” in elevation to gain for the 1:00 group. Weather and snow conditions on Sunday’s climb were very similar to Fridays. The snow did not require crampons for the first hour or so but we had great “steps” and the team progressed up the mountain. Just below Crater Rock snow conditions hardened up a bit and we all put on the crampons and the snow conditions continued to be generally ideal for the rest of the climb. No icy spots or post-holing! The weather was clear and warm early in the climb and we were treated to a beautiful full moon. About an hour into the climb the wind picked up making the air temps colder. Of course everyone had enough gear to keep reasonably warm and the wind decreased considerably once we hit the Hogsback.

At about the Triangle Moraine, Charles made the tough decision to return to Silcox Hut with his guide. The rest of the climbers continued the ascent to the Hogsback, traversed the Hot Rocks and ascended via the Old Chute route. Conditions remained excellent and the teams made their way up the steepest part of the climb without incident. With bluebird skies, the summit had spectacular 360 degree views of Rainier, St. Helens, Adams and Jefferson. Summit stays varied but everyone got to enjoy the spectacular view from the top of Oregon! The teams then made their way back down the same route to Silcox for some well-earned hot waffles and eggs prepared by representatives of our sponsor Columbia Sportswear!

The first teams returned to Silcox Hut by around 10:30 am and the last group arrived around 12:30 pm. RTS alumni/volunteers on the mountain this morning included Josh, Daniel, Bob and Eric. It was great to see the friendly and encouraging faces of the volunteers who helped the team get ready for the climb.

Special thanks to our amazing TMG guides – Joe, Nick, Rodney, Tikco, John, Sheldon and Pete for leading the way and keeping us safe.

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