Team Building 101...Mt. Hood!

Team PDX...May 2007

SHIFT 15...Rick's ReFlections of his 32 years career in the Fire Service...

In 2007 Dave started talking about making another climb up Mt. Hood, something that he had done several times before. In fact, he was on the mountain during the search for the Oregon Episcopal School accident in 1986. This was the worst climbing accident ever on the mountain taking the lives of nine climbers, including seven students. He was there during another search when one of the Rescue helicopters crashed. So his experience made him the obvious choice to lead what would become a motley crew of eleven. He quickly set the time for mid May and began giving us some training and gear pointers.

On the day of the climb we began our ascent around 11pm. The idea is to get to the summit just before sunrise. One, you are actually able to take in the beauty of first light and two you beat some of the potential ice melt and problems that this scenario brings. 

Hogsback, & Pearly Gates at top

Pearly Gates

Climbing Mt. Hood has been one of the hardest athletic events that I’ve ever participated in. Dave would  later say that this particular climb was likely the most difficult that he ever made, due mostly because of the recent heavy snow fall. If I have to tell the truth, and I guess I will…we didn’t actually reach the summit, thus did not see the sun rise. Since Dave was the boss, we all decided that if we ever had to turn back that it would be Dave’s call. After getting past the ‘Hogs-back’, we reached the ‘Pearly Gate’. This area is fairly steep and has enough room for maybe one or two climbers at a time. Because the heavy snow had slowed us from our desired time we did not get to the Pearly Gates until right at sunrise. Ice was already melting and it became a bit of a tricky ascent. There were a couple smaller groups that continued, but Dave thought that it would be best that we call it a day. And ‘call it a day’ we did. You can see from the pictures though, we were right there…you can’t get much closer. To me this time close enough…was good enough. And good enough to say…Dude…I climbed Mt. Hood! That’s cool!

View to the south. Jefferson in background

We’ve had many ‘off duty team’ building experiences at the ole Fire House over the years…helping one another with building projects, maybe a move, or a day out skiing. But this climb…this day…sits at the top. Literally! Thanks guys! Thank you Dave for your expertise! But please...don't call me to climb this mountain again:)