A couple of weekends ago, I was reunited with my climbing friends for a group ascent of Mt. St. Helens. I've climbed to the summit of St. Helens twice before in years past, but never on the unmelted snow of the longer winter route and never before in a skirt. Yes, that's right. A skirt! It was Mother's Day weekend and it is
tradition to climb that weekend in something with a swish.
The climb itself proved strenuous, almost 6000' of elevation gain. Amazingly, all 17 of us managed to mostly stay together and travel at a good pace at 1000' per hour. Needless to say, celebrating ensued upon reaching the crater rim with high-fives, sips out of the flask, and taking in the view of the surrounding mountains and the steaming lava dome.
Personally, it was great to hit the trail again with my climbing crew. I missed climbing with them last season immensely and am extremely happy to have the chance again.
17 hearty souls setting out on a summit climb at 5:30 a.m.
Climbing the ridge-line...
...and still more climbing
Taking a break while enjoying the view of Mt. Adams
Mr. Ice Man....he forgot his dress
Josh, Bob and Daniel (my former 2007 Mt. Hood summit rope team) looking dainty for the climb
K giving a high-five as she reaches the crater rim
A summit celebration
The steaming lava dome
Glissading down almost 4000'!!
17 hearty souls resting on the warm pavement and drying out after a good day's climb
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