Jenni hits the first minor peak on Mount Hood on a spectacular day, Mt. Jefferson looks on.
Deep crevices on White River Glacier turned us back.
Another 'monster' but like his brothers, a wonderful monster, from south side. (Smoking or clouds?)
We wanted to have a look-see at another of the West’s icons. We sure got up close, too. We have viewed
the Hood from King and Saddle Mountains recently, Mount Rainier in another state and elsewhere. Thus far,
nothing beats being on it. To do this, we had to find accommodation in reasonable proximity. This was not an
easy task. However, long story short, we spoke to a lodge owner who promised to call us should a cancellation
occur. Before that, we committed for one night and he came through for us a few days later. We had stayed in
this town two years before at which time we undertook some forest hikes, one providing wonderful views of
Mount Hood.
Close to where we completed our climb of approximately 2,500 feet on mostly skree.
Looking at Hogsback and the top of the mountain, a different perspective than from ground level.
On the western side, we look down towards the clouds.
Our editor made the following comment while trudging up the mountain on skree. “No matter how good the
views of the mountain are from other positions, nothing beats standing on it and moving upwards.” We think
that’s well put and agree whole-heartedly. We saw amazing sights again. Towards the south, Mount Jefferson
was always prominent. On the mountain itself, we came across glaciers and snowfields, and while rising
above the clouds on our western side, we faced strenuous challenges provided by Mt. Hood. We crossed snow
a few times, negotiated steep climbs and dealt with loose gravel most of the way. Although sparse, the
colorful wildflowers are a treat. It amazes one to see such beauty growing from what appears to be terrible
soil. We suppose there is a lesson there. You deal with what life presents you.
A near stumble by the editor as we climb a very steep section on loose stones.
Not much that's funny up there...except the hat.
Editor on her way home with White River glacier on the right. Wait for me!
A couple of days ago we met an interesting fellow hiker, a kindred spirit. Barry, his friend John and
son were on the waterfall trail. We passed them early on, stopped for brunch at which time they continued
through. We met again at the top. The first coincidence is that Barry, a contemporary of ours who looks as
fit as many half his age, is undertaking a similar trip to Europe as we just completed. Most of the places
he is visiting are exactly where we were. We’ve mentioned it many times before: Meeting interesting people
including varied experiences occur on the mountains and then like this one, continue in the car park
and over the internet.
Sitting on rocks and looking at snow slopes and low clouds.
The mountain runner in great stride. How about trying that uphill, sugar.
We read the country is sweltering. We can understand it as it’s already the middle of July. We were in
The Dalles a few days ago—temperature reached mid-90’s. In the Mount Hood area, it has been in the 60’s.
What a treat. The higher we climbed today, the colder it became. By the time we had accumulated 2,500 feet,
the jackets were removed from the backpacks to warm us. No air conditioning, no problem—just climb.
High ground brings in the wind and chills and jackets; Mount Jefferson keeps on staring.
Mount Hood/Timberline is an interesting place. While most in the country were seeking relief from heat, the
skiers were out in force on the slopes. There were hundreds of people on the mountain. In one respect, it is a
happy place of much activity whereas it's also contrary to the serenity of the wilderness. We witnessed skiers
performing all kinds of moves including twists and somersaults. Fortunately, when we got to higher altitude, we
were again on our own. Surprisingly, there wasn’t another hiker on this popular climb while we were there.
Looking down towards the ski school in full swing.
Jenni trudges, Timberline Lodge down in the distance, skiers on the slopes.
When we saw the large crevices in the snow, we realized that danger lay ahead. We turned when we reached the
White River Glacier's crevices, a little way down from Hogsback. It was a superb experience; it gave us exhilaration
and challenge, two essential ingredients to make one’s day. We now have a better understanding of this volcano
for future endeavors.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Blue, brown and dirty ice and snow of the glacier.
Stepping through snow; a break from skree.
550 or 2,100 miles on foot. Hmm! How much time do we have? The famous Pacific Crest Trail.
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