chrisIW

I am going to have some free time and was wondering if anyone was hiking or climbing either the North Cascades or Mt. Adam. I am still a novice and would like to learn more. Will be willing to chip in for gas and or will treat to Anyway hoping to get out of Louisiana before hurricane season heats up.

About the dogs: 1. I am allergic to most dog and cat hair 2. I just thought it might be unsafe or hamful to animals. Not that I don't like dogs, I love them. I am not trying to tick people off. It was just an unusual sight for me. Also made the allure of wilderness less thrilling. It would be like seeing someone with jeans and a T-Shirt at the top of the mountain. Which of course is not the same thing. Just the thought that it is so easy a "dog" could do it. Is the Southside route a hands in your pockets kind of climb. Should I not have paid a guide to climb such an "easy climb". Again nothing against dogs or people who bring them with them.

It sort of put a damper on what I did when I saw that an unleased dog. Sort of takes the Wild out of Wilderness. What other mountains has anyone seen dogs on the summit?

Prologue: Well, the Livestrong Challenge (a biking fundraider) in Portland got rescheduled for July 30, so I switch from the the Denver one to the one in Portland because it is a better time (I am a teacher). Just the Facts: I am a novice, climbed Hood with guide. I want to do more climbing, anyone interested in letting a rookie come along sometime between July 25-28. Looking to do something a like Baker or Adams. Not a walk up something were I can learn more. I seriously want to learn and climb more.

Just got back from Mt. Hood. It was awesome!! Any suggestions on what I should do next? I think I might be addicted now. I went to Powell's and bought Selected Cascade Climbs. Just one more question or point to ponder, are people allowed to bring their dogs into wilderness areas? It was just an unusual sight to see someone with a dog on top of Hood.

Climb: Mt. Hood-Southside Date of Climb: 4/19/2006 Trip Report: Well, I finally made it up Mt. Hood, after being held back by the weather last year. We started out around 4am. Clear skies. The temps were just below freezing at 8,000 feet. The climb was lead by Joe from Timberline Mountain Guides. He was a little disappointed at the snow conditions, the snow didn't settle as much, nor froze as much as we would want. There were a good deal of tracks already up the mountain. The dawn was wonderful. Nothing beats a good sunrise and rime ice. Anyway the sun was heating up the mountain so we pushed up the hogsback. The smell of sulfur really sucks. Reminded me alot of home here in Louisiana We roped up and put on our crampons for the climb up to the Pearly Gates, which was pretty hair raising for me, this was after all my first climb. The view from the summit was outstanding. It definately made the trip worth it. Saw alot of people heading up while we were coming down. Didn't seem as crowded, as I though it would be. Tooks some other photos on the way. Since this is my first trip report, I don't want to over do it. so here is one last photo up the Hogsback Anyway Joe did an awesome job. I am now hooked on mountaineering and can't wait to get back to the NW. Maybe Adams will be next??

I am scheduled for a climb on Mt. Hood For 4/18-19. I am not from the area, actually I am from Louisiana and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions concerning transportaion to the mountain (I don't drive) and lodging. I don't have big bucks to spend here and could use some suggestions. Now I don't want you all thinking I am some camera wavering tourist. I have done some pretty intense hiking and I am making the cross over to mountaineering and hopefully will be moving up to Portland, Seattle, or may be Denver away from all of these hurricanes and stupid politicians. Thanks for your help!

Nice photo. When was it taken?

Well, I got back Sunday from Potrland. Last Friday I was at Timberline learning basic crampon skills, ice axe arrest and other important basics. Snow was coming down really hard and we made a call not to try to climb Hood the next day because of the unfavorable conditions. Oh, well better luck next time I visit. Not to sound like a commercial, but I had a great experience with Bob and Timberline Mtn Guides. So on Sat I went and hiked Eagle Creek which was nice. The Columbia River Gorge and the Cascades are amazing. I was also very impressed on how nice people were. I was happy to see a store in PDX that DIDN'T have overpriced gear and poor costumer service. I felt very welcomed by the people of Portland especially the Mazamas. There was many great reasons that I would more then just come and visit, but maybe move. Who knows? I will never forget however seeing Hood, it really knocked me out of my shoes on how impressive it is.

How are the conditions up on Southside? Any chance that I am going to see any cravasses up there?

Is anyone I could catch a ride with from Mt Hood to Portland on April 2? Please send me a private message. I am visiting the area and don't drive. THANKS!

You know maybe we could be less materialistic and have a less impact on natural resources. Now I am not trying to stir the pot. But I don't own a car and I hate how everyone I know asks me "When are you going to buy a car?" I seem to manage even in the rain. But it seems its such a foriegn idea (especially in the south).

Hey, I just thought I would say hi. I am about to go on my first big climb on Apr. 2 on Mt. Hood. Getting ready. I am climbing with a guiding company, so I should get some good basics. Been doing alot of reading (Freedom of the Hills). Anyone else going to be at Mt. Hood April 1/2?