The climbing conditions on MT Hood were a bit windy but otherwise excellent on Jan 14, 2005. I started the climb from the Timberline parking lot at about 1am.
The snow above the parking lot had a crusty layer on top that broke easily and made for tough going. I quickly switched over to the snowcat trail to the Silcox Hut for easier going.
Once I reached the top of the Palmer lift I put on the crampons since the snow was very firm and almost completely ice for the rest of the way up. There were even chunks of blue ice visible.
The Bergschrund looked mostly snow covered but not enough of a bridge to go straight up the Hogsback. Looks like a short traverse is still a good idea.
I had to turn back at Crater Rock because my gas tank was banging on E. I might have been able to summit but I would have needed a ride back down, so I made a strategic retreat.
I guess my training program of drinking Duff beer and munching Fritos wasn't enough to prep me or the summit. Too bad, it was a great day and only 1 other climber in sight.
I'll be back...!
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Cascade Volcanoes
