"Pucker Up" and the "3 O'Clock Face" Broken Top Bowl

On March 12, Bill, Jon, Pete and Bob, headed out to the Broken Top Bowl to look for some steep spring corn skiing. The only problem was some bad weather was coming in, and it never really warmed up. So, we had a great workout, skied some steep firm stuff, and generally had a darn good time anyway. Springtime is a wild time for weather in Central Oregon.!

Approaching the bowl with "Pucker Up" on the steep left flank.

Bill schralping the steep, firm, "3 O'Clock Face" on tele gear.

Climbing on our second run up the "3 O'Clock Face" with the weather moving in.

Its T- Shirt Weather at Smith Rock!

On Tuesday, March 4th, Pete, Woody (TMG's Physician Advisor) and Pete's son Finn headed out to Smith Rock to enjoy the sunshine on a warm spring day. It was unbelievable warmth, and even got close to being too hot at one point during the heat of the day. Smith Rock is in full swing at this point with no crowds, and fantastic weather.

Finn (age 4) pulling down on stone.

Reid Headwall- Mt Hood

President's Day brought us some of the most fantastic weather of the season. Bobby, from Eugene, and Mihai, from Olympia took full advantage of the clear spell and climbed the Reid Headwall with Pete on Mt Hood. We found some deeper than anticipated snow on the lower headwall, but up higher it firmed up and we had some nice climbing. Our 2008 climbing season is officially on!

Near the Summit of Mt Hood:

9 O'Clock Couloir, Broken Top

Tara, Jeff and Pete headed in to Broken Top again to climb 9 O'clock Couloir and do some skiing. We had a great day and fine weather. We wanted to focus on a bit of ropework to get ready for our Haute Route ski tour next month, so we did a bit of climbing and a bit of skiing too. Is spring already here?

Tam McArthur Rim Ski Touring

Taking advantage of the last day of a long standing high pressure system, Pete, Mike and Nick ventured into Tam McArthur Rim for some backcountry skiing. Lying just southeast of the Three Sisters and northwest of Bend, Tam McArthur Rim boasts lots of varied ski terrain above treeline with spectacular views of the Sisters to the west and the desert to the east.
Great day to be out in the high country. We sampled only some of the highlights of this area from rolling glades and trees to challenging steeps. If backcountry skiing is something you're interested in exploring get in touch with us, we'd love to show you around.

A view along the Rim from the east.













Cruising along the top of the Rim. Broken Top, South and Middle Sisters behind.












Broken Top looms ominously to the south.













Skis off, Pete ascends Broken Hand (8576').



















Pete carves the wind pack.



















Pete and Mike heading for powder in the trees. Broken Hand is top right.

El Pico De Orizaba Expedition Successful

Heather with Orizaba behind.
John on the Summit of Orizaba.
Rob in the classic Dodge.

TMG's El Pico de Orizaba expedition was a complete success this year! Congrats go out to team members Heather from Oregon, Rob from New York and John from Arizona all successfully climbed to the summit on January 21st with guide Joe Owens. Here is Joe's latest dispatch from Mexico City just after the trip:

Hey Pete, just emailing you from the historic Majestic Hotel in Mexico City to report another successful Orizaba trip. The weather the last five days has been excellent.Some afternoon cloud but always clearing for the morning, some wind but no precipitation. Yesterday all climbers Heather,Rob and John summited. We left high camp (15,200ft) at 2.45am and reached the summit, (18,701) at 9.45am. We climbed under clear skies and a full moon. It was a little windy and folks were happy to have their parkas and balaclavas. We climbed from 17,000ft to the summit in our parkas. Seeing the moon set over Tlachichuca was one of the best sights I have ever seen. Climbing conditions were as good as they get with perfect neve for the ascent. We stayed on the summit for about an hour enjoying the sun, and this allowed the snow to often for the descent. Clouds to the East meant that we could not see the Gulf of Mexico but there is always next year!!! The climbing through the Labyrinth (15,500 - 16200) was excellent and reminded me of Leuthold's couloir. Everyone agreed that it was fun climbing. Then it was back to the tents, a quick pack up and return to the hut for our jeep ride to Tlachichuca. The 12 mile jeep ride in an old restored 1942 dodge was a great way to leave the mountain. Classic transport for a classic mountain! -Joe

Strawberry Ice Climbing

Last Saturday Mike and Pete made use of the cold weather we are having to go ice climbing in the Strawberry Range. This is a little know area, but is very consistent with ice forming conditions all winter. We were very happy to find some fat ice conditions, and plenty of good approaching to do, just to make sure we are in decent shape. Here is Mike leading the "Honeypot".