I (Sheldon) had a great opportunity to climb Mount Adams over Labor Day weekend with Steve and Chris. It was my first real climb of any serious mountain, and we had perfect sunny conditions the whole weekend.
Mount Adams is the second highest peak in the state of Washington, just behind Mount Rainier. It is also taller than any of Oregon's mountains, including Mount Hood. We went up the popular South route, which most people use to reach the summit. It is not technically difficult, but is a long challenging climb with roughly 7,000 feet of elevation gain in 6 miles from the parking lot to the summit.
Mount Adams, 12,281 feet tall
We left the trailhead on Friday morning with all our gear, with the plan to spend Friday night on the mountain near the snow line and then summit early the next morning. The weather down low was wonderful, sunny and warm! The hike in was nice and not too difficult, other than the weight of the gear and water that we were packing in.
At the Trailhead
View on the way up
Arrived at camp!
We set up camp at around 8,500 feet, found a nice rock wall shelter from the wind and enjoyed a leisurely evening and dinner. Chris even had the forethought to bring along his iPad, so we were able to watch a couple episodes of The Office, play some cards, then watch a movie!
Our Camp Site
Steve and Chris in the Tent
Sunset over Mount Hood
Roughing it with an iPad
We got up early the next morning at 5:30, ate a quick breakfast, then geared up for the summit attempt. We had full crampons and ice axes, plus heavy winter gear. Early in the morning the snow is frozen solid like ice, so without crampons on your boots you couldn't make it anywhere. The weather up at high elevations is COLD, so we dressed accordingly.
From our campsite you could see Pikers Point, also known as the false summit. At 11,700 feet tall it looks like the top of the mountain, but there is a lot of climbing left to do after you crest the peak. Luckily Steve had warned me that this was not the actual peak or I would have been seriously discouraged upon reaching the top!
False Summit
Stopping for rest and water
Chris reaching the top of False Summit
We made it to the top of the False Summit by about 9AM, stopped for a quick snack and water break and to fully bundle up. The weather at that elevation was clear, but below freezing with a strong and steady 40mph wind. We saw lots of people turn back because they weren't equipped for the cold weather.
View from Pikers Point, a LONG ways still to climb!
The last pitch from Pikers Point up to the summit took about an hour and a half. It was slow going, because at this elevation everything is much, much more difficult. Imagine being out of breath and winded after taking 20 steps, then feeling like you can't catch your breath even when you stop. You just keep going slow and steady, climb then rest, then climb then rest. With good steady progress, we finally reached the top!
Mount Rainier from the Summit
Summit of Mount Adams
Once we reached the top, we snapped a few pictures and climbed up on the old ranger station built on the peak of the mountain. Going down was much easier, especially the glissading! (sliding down the hill using your ice axe as a brake.) We made it down the full length to the parking lot in less than half the time it took us to get to the top - the prospect of a hot meal and a cold beverage is great motivation!
Thanks to Steve and Chris for putting this together and inviting me along. It was a blast!
The Clubhouse is finished!! 
First Papa had to cut out old tree roots so we have a level place for the club.
Help from the kids, cousins, and Uncle Michael
Hard at work!
It's Finished!
Peeking through the inside window.
Up in the loft.
Painted Trim and New Cedar Chips on the Ground
The Finished Product
