I've read a lot about "recliner hikes" here. Well, we are "recliner picnic" lovers, ourselves! (Perhaps this story actually involves both?) When we pulled over at that last turnout before the parking lot, and setup our chairs, we seemed to cause a steady stream of folks to pull over to photograph whatever it was that so enthralled us.
But really, taking the road out of the photo, how can you beat this for "lunch with a view"?
The "weather" on the west side kept trying its best to cross over the divide, but Mt. Hood put up a steady defense.
Pardon the digression. Back to "the hike."
After moving on to the main lodge area, and wandering a bit, my wife decided to spend a little time lounging in the lodge and maybe reading a bit or writing some postcards or something. I had my boots and pack in the car. That was my invitation. I'd been watching the area up around Silcox Hut all during our lunch, seeing the weather come and then watching it go just as fast. Decided that'd be a great post-lunch stretch! I was glad to have a windbreaker in the pack, and had to switch from an old baseball cap to a stocking cap in short order as the first one kept blowing off.
Most of the way up, other than the sno-cat right-of-ways, was snow-free.
And there were wildflower outbreaks scattered about.
Soon enough, I'd ascended the 1000' up to Silcox Hut.
I found the door unlocked, and was absolutely amazed at what was inside!!! Now, the last time I was here, was also the last time I climbed Mt. Hood - back in 1976. We stopped here to put on our crampons. At the time, Silcox was nothing but a wind-sheltered outhouse. Today, well, ... have a look...!
Wow. So, after getting kicked out (they were hosting a birthday party "very soon!"), I wandered up to the edge of the glacier, just because it was there. Took a few more photos, and then took a call (great cell reception up there, darnit!) letting me know it was time to rejoin the party in the bar.
It was 43°F with gusts in the 30-40mph range. The fleece and gloves in my pack felt good, now that I was no longer moving upwards.
So, back to the lodge I go...
One last shot, from the 3rd floor bar.
And the track, such as it is...
http://gpsfly.org/gps_map.php?gps_id=1668&w=645&h=440
Totally fun way to kill part of an afternoon on the mountain!
