The Second 'C' Ridge I Have Been Fortunate To Climb...Cathedral Ridge

The first 'C' ridge I explored earlier this year was Casaval Ridge on Mt. Shasta with a great crew. This 'C' ridge came as a last minute plan after the weather in the North Cascades and particularly on Icy Peak went far far South. Brian Anderson and I got on the phone and started talking about plan B's. We came up with Cathedral Ridge on Mt. Hood. Because it looks like an amazing and challenging route, and because it is close to home if weather decides to turn us around.
Weather was looking good, packs were already to go, and a great group of people all had Hood on the brain. Our team comprised of Brian Andeson, Brian Eubanks, Nick Wagner, and myself. I have a difficult time describing in words a trip such as this. Something I have heard Kari and Brian Eubanks say a few times comes to mind "Pura Vida!"

Have a look at the entire set of photographs here. Enjoy......

Rain, Beauty, Mt. Forgotten....

Whit Fellers (in the photograph above) was our fearless leader who respectively titled this journey as "A Climb With Dinosaurs." He gave this title because everyone was at least twice my age. I would climb with these "dinosaurs" any day of the week and in fact found their strength and character to far surpass many climbers my age including myself.

In many sports and physical activities 30 is the limiting age. You may retire at 30 or just lose that 20-something ability. Not the case in mountaineering. Most of mountaineering has to do with mental strength and then comes endurance. I feel that as you get older and acquire mountain knowledge through experience you become mentally stronger and the endurance is just the wonderful side effect. You may be incredibly strong in your twenties and capable of a vast amount of foolishness gaining you both a sketch-ball route and distinction amongst the community. But only age can bring the mountain wisdom that I seek and hope to lose my foolishness to.See more pictures by clicking any photo above or here. Enjoy....

A Saunter Into The Past

Gina, Duke, and I made a journey over to Eastern Oregon to explore the 1860's gold rush land and the Oregon Trail. Capturing images was not my aim for this journey but I have posted some snapshots to briefly share our experience. I hope to return in the near future and spend a more intimate time making photographs of this area. Quite powerful American history.

See the images by clicking the photo above or here. Enjoy....