Tote-n-Float Pacific Northwest Adventures

Photo: Here's how Horsethief Butte looks as you enter this maze of ancient stone from the West end. Before the horse thieves, Native American Indians lived in this rock fortress, leaving their signature in pictographs (badly faded). Before the Indians? Horsethief Butte didn't exist before the Missoula floods (AKA: Brets or Spokane floods), because these glacial spills are what created it.
 
"Catastrophic events always produce new opportunites," explained Murdock, "and what we do with them reveals who we really are." (Cobblestones, 0207, 2010)

Photo: Southern cliffs of Hamilton Mountain. I can't remember a more beautiful day on this trail.
 
"Mountain-top experiences are fantastic in every way," said Hamilton, "but don't underestimate the importance of the path that gets you there."  (Boot-Smart, 0210, 2010)

Photo: Horsethief Butte (SE side) just east of Murdock, WA. This rock fortress is a honeycomb favorite for rock climbers (gear ascents, top-roping, rappeling, bouldering and free-solo).
 
"Now that the horse thieves are gone," explained Murdock, "we can finally enjoy this place." (Life Without Thieves, 0206, 2010)

Photo: South Face of Mt Hood. Seven inches of new snow gave the mountain a "face lift," erasing many "wrinkles!" This is about as beautiful as this mountain gets, and it was showing off Monday morning.
 
"Mountains are really ugly -- and dangerous -- without snow," said the Wizard. "If new snow can do this for a mountain, just imagine what it can do for you!" (The Naked Truth, 0120, 2010)

Photo: East Face of Mt Hood. The new snow line is distinct, and the snow pack this year is critically low. Mt Hood is a classic Cascade peak, and every approach offers a different -- complex -- experience.
 
"If you want to really know me," explained McNeil, "you must be willing to spend a lot of time with me." (Four Faces - Four Seasons, 0122, 2010)

Photo: Ridge of Wonders leading up to Mt Adams as seen from the summit of Little Mt Adams (a near-by volcanic cone). There is no trail and the route is part scramble, making for a world-class hike... no doubt about it.
 
"You know your destination," said Adam, "but getting there will not be easy!" (Risks & Rewards, 0102, 2010)

Photo: The trail to Mt Whittier drops down the cliff face (photo right). That's Mark on the overlook getting ready to descend this precarious section of the trail. If you slip off the trail here, you won't be coming back!
 
"I never said it wasn't dangerous," explained Whittier, "but only that there is no other path." (Limited Options, 1226, 2009)

Photo: Mt Hood viewed from the West. 
 
"You may approach Me," said the Great Mountain, "but don't make the mistake of thinking I'll bend the rules to protect you." (No Favorites, 1205, 2009)

Photo: Mt Hood during sunset (last night). Taken from Trillium Lake (I went back again, ran nearly a half mile wearing crampons to get this shot, taking one major header into a snow field along the way!
 
"It's better to be early than late," said Trillium. "This lightshow only lasts for about five minutes!" (Timing is Everything, 122, 2009)

Photo: Northeast view of Mt Hood, taken Monday from the organic gardens east of Parkdale. More than 130 climbers have died on this mountain since 1896.
 
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." (Helen Keller, as quoted in Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills, 16, 2009)
 
I just read a short bio on Helen Keller, and though I do not share all of her views, I do think her's is an amazing life. Two glass eyes, deaf to all sounds... Her quote is fascinating -- and true for mountaineering -- though I'm convinced there is one context where security is no superstition.

"Yes, Frodo, once you reach the caldron's rim you MUST throw Bilbo's Magic Ring into the volcano!" Gandalf was stern, for the young Hobbit was being unusually stubborn. (Mesmerized By Power, 1024; 2009)

"Someday...," said Washington, his thoughts in deep reflection on the life he's lived. (My Last Sunset, 1015; 2009)

"Money is definitely over-rated," said Faith. "I need a lot more of this in my retirement account!" (Real Value, 1012; 2009)

"Sometimes your own footprints are the first," Raven said, thinking outloud. (Leadership, 105; 2009)

"That last 1000 feet really kicked my butt," explained Jay. "Never stop! Never give up! Just do it!" (Finish Lines, 107; 2009)

"We forget that we're being watched," said Pamelia. "Pay attention and look up!" (Eyes In The Sky, 924; 2009)

"Your journey with me will soon end," explained Gilbert. "Ready or not...things are about to change!" (The Passage, 918; 2009)
 The story starts here...

"See what happens when you lose your temper!" Said Lewis, pointing at Broken Top. (Keeping Your Cool, 919; 2009)

"Stay awhile," said Snowgrass. "You'll never find anything like this in the city!" (Old Snowy's Glory, 915; 2009)

"Mountains are fickle," warned Huckleberry. "Halos in the morning might mean thunderbolts later on." (Giants and Duplicity, 909; 2009)

"Learn to enjoy the water under your own boat," came Waldron's sound advice. (Contentment, 914; 2009)

"Keep climbing, but don't forget to stop and look back at how far you've come." (Elevation Gains, 911; 2009)

"There are those who devote entire lifetimes to healing others," said the NWHiker. (Heros In Your Midst, 902; 2009)

"It's peaceful in the cove," explained Ewing. (When There Are Guardians,  829; 2009)

"Mountain-top experiences don't just happen," said T-Rex. "Let's go get one!" (Your Life - Your Choice, 813; 2009)

"I've been waiting all night for this moment," explained Elliott. "I have no glory without the Light." (Reflections and Auras, 814; 2009)

"It's safe now," said Soda-Sam. "The angry one is dead." (Volcanic Personalities, 730; 2009)

"The foot-path ends here," said Soda-Sam, "intuition and experience will guide us to the tarns." (Wilderness Wandering, 729; 2009)

"Wow! I took nearly 600 photos today!" Exclaimed VonTrekk. "I'm definitely going back for more!" (World Class Adventures, 728; 2009)

"Some schedules cannot be changed," explained the Gardener, "but this is not true of yours." (Secrets of Success, 724; 2009)

"Glaciers move mountains by crushing them," said Zig-Zag. (Learning the Hard Way: Tough Love, 725; 2009)

"If you're going to hang out with my Sister," explained Broken-Top, "you'd better be careful!" (Take Nothing For Granted, 812, 2009)

"Mountain-top experiences are better when you share them with friends." (Mountain Lore, Principle Five, 815; 2009)