Hike One: Mount Hood, Oregon

Oregon Cascades; Gain: 6700 ft; Highest Point: 11,237 feet .

The climb of Hood was long-anticipated by me. In a team of four, we undertook this endeavor in two days, and were fulfilled by the experience of camping underneath the starry sky, withstanding rockfall and icefall, and overcoming increasingly steep slopes with the use of ice axe and crampons.  Staring at the 5,800, we took  the South Side Route and passed through the Pearly Gates up to the summit, reaching it at 11,237 feet.

Hike Two: Mount Adams, Washington

South Cascades; 12.0 miles RT; Gain: 6700 ft; Highest Point: 12276 ft. 

One week had passed after my first climbing endeavor, first major face burn, and first serious elevation gain. Neither the ice fall, nor dizziness experience were to stop me from an even greater climb on the following weekend. Apparently I am somewhat crazy.

Nonetheless, on a bright Friday afternoon, and I joined up with my favorite hiking group and set off towards the campground at the base of mount Adams. Approaching that giant, lit up by the sun and brimmed by the grazing fields, could barely intimidate me. My partners, James – a former Navy officer in Afghanistan, and Rob – adroit climber, hiker, and an architect – made the 5 hour ride seem much shorter by sharing their take on the state of the world.

Upon arrival, we settled down and prepared all for an early 4am start next morning. Normally, people climb up in 2-3 days, but our group made a shot for one day. We took the South Climb of Mount Adams, which requires the least amount of technical expertise. We reached the Lunch Counter around 9am and proceeded to the top reaching on the way two “false summits”, which almost lure you in a mocking way. Each one seemed close but took hours to reach.  My feet felt heavier every hour and steps were getting slower, but somehow I was moving ahead, having no clue why I was doing it. Finally, I reached the summit. The sense of victory over your self, the freedom and tranquility all around were worth the effort put in! All of a sudden you are naturally high, just on your own. From the summit, I saw Mounts Jefferson, Hood, St. Helens, and Rainier, semi-floating on weightless clouds.

Having taken the views in, we were to glissade down for most of the path, which was the ultimate reward! Screaming and laughing and being carefree, we all made it to the base safely, except for the last couple of miles, which reminded me of a hunger games episode – when James and I diverted and barely found a way to the trail by getting through a  series of steep and unfamiliar ridges and entangled bushes.  That climb almost made me faint! But, unarguably, it was well worth it! 🙂