Though I initially had designs on some steep, exposed, north-facing, icy, strenuous, and outright dangerous skiing on a shady and remote side of an unreasonably large volcano in the region, I reconsidered due to a recent urge to enjoy life more.
So I called Camila, met her in Portland on Tuesday, and cruised leisurely up to the south side of Mt. Adams. A late start and a short hike to a scenic bivouac allowed for optimal consumption of Bulleit Bourbon and expansive views.
We climbed the mountain the next morning, and though it was but Camila’s third time skinning she crushed the massive vertical like it wasn’t no thang. We descended the Southwest Chutes and returned to retrieve camp.
Though the idea of busting it straight to the Oregon coast for a possible evening surf session was tempting, again the tendency towards leisure and enjoyment deposited us at the pFreim brewery in Hood River with my good friend from Alta, Sam Thompson. A beer and a meal later, we were on our way to Cami’s sister’s place in Portland, a spectacular sunset lighting up the Colombia River Gorge as we rolled west.
We still accomplished the surf mission, hitting up the coast the following morning. Warm water during a surf session earlier in the week confused me greatly, so I was basically paralyzed by the -50° water we found. Brrr…
Camila nearing camp.
The Southwest Chutes.
