Mount St. Helens {July 29}

While I was home today nursing my aching legs Justin was climbing Mount St. Helens with three buddies.  He applied for the passes back in February and has been really looking forward to it.  He climbed in back in 2002 with college friends Justin Tolman and Derek Rowe. 

Justin and his friends camped near the mountain Thursday night and spent Friday on the mountain.

Climber’s Bivouac 

   

Edge of the treeline

   

Bouldering up the mountain 

   

Death march to the top 

   

Summit 

   

Justin and Mike hiked further to the highest peak of the mountain seen in the distance here.

A little different view of the crater.  It was the perfect day for views - they were able to see Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and the Three Sisters.

When they got back down to Teage and Brandon they took a much needed rest.

The way down went faster.  They were able to cover an area in 15 minutes glissading down the glacier on their hinnies that look them over an hour by foot.

Justin got home around 11pm and gave me the complete play by play of their adventure.  I should have recorded him cause who knows if he’ll ever get it typed up for posterity.  Each of the guys thought the experience was amazing and Justin’s already looking forward to doing it again sometime.