Water (Matt) went hiking April 22, 2011 6 miles 5,250 feet gained

Mt Hood

Finally got up Hood in 2011. Weather windows + lower avalanche danger have not coincided in months, I swear. Occasionally one or the other would come around for 24hr or less, and never on a weekend.

Took up two friends who have expressed interest in climbing and prepped as best they can as far as gear and conditioning. Quite a beautiful day with not too many folks. We were the first to summit for the day, and I lead the group up the old chute, kicking steps than later parties used. Having not lead the entire chute before, esp. without steps in place, I definitely am doing some ego-stroking as it was hard work and I felt pride to have done so.

One unfortunate note J ended up with some frostbite on two toes on either foot, and numb tips on all the rest. Waiting right now to see how it unfolds. J has pre-existing circulation issue in toes sometimes and had instance of sock/liner sock bunching up which he believes contributed. His attitude is very positive but I am fairly disappointed--my goal of course is coming back in one piece--and that accomplished is numero uno, but still anything less than injury free, I'm not so happy celebrate the accomplishment (personally). this marks the 7th time up uncle hoodsle.

need to get on cooper spur and leuths again, when the weather and conditions coincide again... when is that? probably next year!

Trail Talk

Roman · April 26, 2011

Congrats on the summit! Those are some beautiful photos. Sorry to hear about your friend's frostbite, hopefully it will heal ok. I had minor frostbite on both hands when I was a child and it healed completely since then.

Kyle Meyer · April 26, 2011

Beautiful photos! Thanks for posting this. I still need to get my snowboard up to the summitâ€¦

Water (Matt) · April 26, 2011

Thanks for the comments guys. Now that we are into the 4th day I am hoping my friend has news that is positive.. need to chat with him again. Long term he will be okay but for instance I hope he does not have to lose months of spring and summer hiking due to foot complications..

Kyle.. you would not have wanted to do anything but walk down this past weekend--it was exceedingly hardpack from summit down to lee side of crater rock, then from below crater rock down to top of palmer. The lee side of crater rock is the only place that had fresh soft deep snow... for about 500ft.

do you/have you climbed hood? I need to learn how to ski (next year..wedding and honeymoon $ took care of it this year) to do ski-mountaineering.. the only graceful way to descend the volcanoes.

cheers guys

Kyle Meyer · April 26, 2011

I've climbed Adams, but not Hood. I'm planning to do it without snowboard in the next month or so. I've snowboarded for 14 years though, and was an instructor through college, so am comfortable with the steeps. I'd really love to ultimately get a splitboard and skin up / ride down!

Have you seen people snowboard down Hood? It could be that the best times to climb are the worst time to ride. Maybe I'll save the snowboard for the easier volcanoes like Adams and Helens.

Water (Matt) · April 26, 2011

Well if the weather cooperates maybe I'll see you out there. While I have two new partners I am always game to meet new folks. Yes, I would say when it is good to climb, probably not as good for ski/snowboarding. Icy-hard is not the best for either though.. ultimately prefer something like styrofoam snow--easy but strong steps and ax plants. also as you know, sun and warmth on the upper mountain can transform hardback ice into a nice corn snow/perfect for skiing later in the day.. once it is more towards summer.

i have seen people ski from the top of the old chute which is the least technical way up--though pearly gates are not as difficult this year I hear. I have also seen a skier cartwheel 300 foot down the old chute. He was fortunate to have only bent a pole and feel bruised/stretched.. was able to recollect himself once he stopped and make it back to the hogsback. But it sure was scary to watch.

Kyle Meyer · April 26, 2011

Yikes. That would be more than a little terrifying yardsaling down from near the top. I'll ping you when I'm planning to go to see if you'll be there.