The climbing crew Once again, a select few of the human race gather in what will prove to be a test of will and strength against the one of the greatest forces on this Earth - Mother Nature!
The planning process is over and now it is time to execute our plans to ascend the greatest glissading mountain in the Olympic Mountain Range with the hopes that weather, snow, and energy levels will all come together to prove to be the greatest snow slide of 2010. It did!
Slathering on the SPF to prevent sunburn. It is particularly bad on the snow as the bottom of you chin, nose, and ears will burn within a very short time. We are always teaching the boys to take care of themselves too rather than just thinking about the activity at hand.
Will Hayes, Assistant Adviser Extraordinaire
The boys and Ben Mahoney (our honorary Advisor as he joins us on many outings to provide leadership in the wilderness and because he likes to participate in our activities).
Taking a needed breather on the way up to the "chute".
Finally, we hit the snow level. It is very compact and icy on this portion of the trail.
Standing at the bottom of the avalanche chute that constitutes a majority of the exposed snow climb. We stopped here for a breath, snacks, and self-rescue training that is imperative to know on a climb such as this. All in the company did very well in their practice rescue scenarios.
The "Long Slog" up the chute.
Sitting in the snow bowl above the chute. Still a couple rises to climb until the summit.
Standing in the snow bowl, the picturesque views were more like a backdrop in a photographers studio that real life. Lake Cushman in the distance.
Mount Washington behind us as we climbed to the next level.
Brady Neeley looking up at the summit. The interior of the Olympic Mountain Range in the distance.
The last stretch! The summit is looming over us.
"Standing on the top of a mountain is the closest you will ever come to reaching Heaven while standing with both feet on the ground" -Jamee Mahoney-
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"Nothing I have experienced makes me so aware of my place in the universe, gives me the feeling of being so small and yet so powerful, and places me in awe at the world that our Heavenly Father has created, as climbing a mountain" -Jamee Mahoney-
Getting ready for the glissade (slide on your butt) down. 3 hours up, and 10 minutes down!
GREAT JOB EVERYONE!
The boys attacked the task with energy and motiviation as we only had about an hour to complete this project.
Time learned how to use a weedeater and brush blade.
Hayes gave the pile a serious trim job with the hedge trimmers.
Great job by all. The finished product was wonderful and very professional. Brother Donaldson expressed his sincere gratitude and offered for the scouts to come back in the Summer to pick and eat as many cherries as they like (we will discuss the ramifications of what happens when you eat too many cherries at once before we take him up on this!).
