14.16 'Charity', South Sister, a tough and difficult day hike

The eligible bachelor of the mountain community, Mount Bachelor.


An incredible 'high', one of the great day hikes.


Overlooking the glacial lake heavily snow-banked, fed by Lewis Glacier.


With close to 3,000 feet still to climb, editor looking far too confident. The route is to the left of
the glacier, over the top to the peak behind (not in view).

We worked hard in planning this hike. We had developed a number of excuses of why we should not
do it this time. The hot weather makes it a bad time of the year; blisters on the feet are a problem;
we have or will develop headaches (wrong scenario) and on and on continued the list. However, as in
all things, it takes just one reason to do something positive. Fortunately, we wrote all the excuses
on a piece of paper so we can use them at a later stage. It would be sad to waste a good set.

We set off at 5am from our motel to attempt to climb what, after completing it, can only be termed
a monster day hike. The statistics are staggering: 12.5 miles roundtrip, a fraction under 5,000 feet
elevation gain to arrive at a peak of 10,358 feet, Oregon’s third highest (140 feet less than
number 2, Jefferson). ‘Charity’, or the South Sister, is the highest of the three sisters and now
that we have undertaken it, obviously our favorite. The alternate names of the three are ‘Faith,
Hope and Charity’, beautiful concepts and values attached to very rugged ‘women’.


The 'slippery slope' indicating the angle of ascent before the really steep section. A glimpse of
Mount Washington below.


Blue eyes stops to view glacial lake or more likely, rest.


Smoking wilderness ignores surgeon-general's health warning.

The hike begins from the car park, making it an auspicious start as after a short while, the trail
crosses a highway. It then climbs a steep section of 1.5 miles through the forest, breaks the tree
line and meanders along a plain above Lake Moraine. Mount Bachelor, Broken Top and the dome of Charity
come into view providing wonderful views. South Sister is a formidable sight—actually, intimidating.
The terrain is so different; one has the feeling of being in a massive semi-desert park. The cascades
provide a wonderful backdrop, too. As we rise, the trail becomes one of scree and more free-for-all
than a planned path. The underfoot is loose and a little dangerous causing one to slip and slide.
The return journey down is very dangerous. Hiking poles may be the way to go in future although we are
not planning to repeat the hike soon, not should we wish to remain married.


Looking down towards the opposite side from the ascent.


Summit girl gives her 'black-power' um black peak salute.


At the peak on a near perfect day...maybe a ride down would improve it.

After some rugged climbing, we came across a glacial lake, below Lewis Glacier, one of five glaciers
on the mountain. The water color never ceases to amaze, no matter how many times we view it. In the
background, the eligible Mount Bachelor is prominent with a sought after temporary ring about it,
the smoke from wildfires, although it looked like mist. To the east stands Broken Top Mountain.
It seems in fine shape to us but the experts say it’s broken so we’ll leave it at that. Perhaps standing
next to the Three Sisters all these years has had an effect on its self-esteem. After the steep climb
to the glacial lake, the way becomes even sharper; we begin to question our sanity, not for the first time.
We do hope it will be an ongoing feature in our lives, though.


In stock market parlance, they talk of a 'wall of worry'—we call this a wall of fear.


The Bachelor has made a lasting impression, the husband, forgotten.


Editor, with no reason to smile, does. Moraine Lake, (top right) is nearly 2,000 feet below Jenni and in turn,
2,000 feet above our trailhead.

Before going further, we crossed paths with Bill who is perhaps one of the most upbeat fellows you can
wish to meet. When we spoke about each day being a new adventure, his eyes lit and he explained that’s
how he lives life as well as tries to influence others. He flies balloons, probably jumps out of them,
hikes all over the place and is game for anything that provides excitement. We left him for the more
mundane climb, which was becoming, 'a little horror'.

Mount Bachelor is prominent and very attractive. 'It is not good for man (mountain) to live alone.'
So, three sisters were created, Faith, Hope and Charity. Bachelor, unfortunately struggled. Lacking faith,
feeling hopeless and not being willing to give, he finds himself alone. Meantime, the Three Sisters refuse
to wait until he (it) erupts. They are registered with both e-harmony and J-date.


Captures the essence of the hike, rough, tough and steep on a lousy surface, otherwise, 'wonderful'.


Your typical homely couple with two sisters in background.


Editor crosses a snow field before climbing to the peak, close by.

We crossed snow a few times, kept slipping on loose stones and sand, scree, took in wonderful and changing
scenery before making the summit. It always is a great feeling achieving the target and this time it was
perhaps even better than previous occasions. Along the way we spoke to Katherine and Charlie, a little
later, Keith. Something we discovered is of all the hikers we have met over the years, the Oregonians
seem the friendliest. We have been well treated in this state. Please invite us to return.


'Mind the gap'. Keep off ice and snow, the glaciers are high risk propositions.


'Faith' prominent, Jefferson makes an appearance and Hood (faint on right) wants in on the act, too.

A few years ago, we visited the town of Sisters. Tarryn, our niece, identified with these mountains.
She is one of three sisters who lost their mother Wendy, our sister, at young ages. Since she mentioned
it, we always have the girls and their mother in our hearts when we look at the captivating Sisters.

This is a long blog of words and pictures so we’ll end it here and just collapse into bed.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey



Contemplative married man needing rest, Bachelor well rested in rear.


Close to the Sisters. We have viewed them from at least 5 hikes, at distance.