| Steve Dougherty ~ Sep 25, 2007 |
| Twenty-two climbers converged at the Cloud Cap Saddle Campground 6,000' up on the north side of Mt. Hood for the annual Eliot Glacier Ice School. Our purpose was to practice crampon and ice axe techniques on the lower section of the Eliot Glacier. We were blessed with outstanding weather both days. We had a fairly even split between first timers and leaders/assistants allowing us to break up into smaller groups. During the morning of the first day, climbers were broken into four groups and worked on crampon and ice axe technique on the undulating surface of the lower glacier. After lunch four top ropes were anchored and dropped into a 30-foot deep crevasse. Participants got to ascend the ropes with their prussick slings and climb the near vertical walls with two ice tools. Jim Collins served a group dinner Saturday night and a group breakfast Sunday morning which was much appreciated by the participants. On the final day we again broke into four groups. Each group was allowed to venture into the lower ice fall using a 25 meter section of rope for a running belay and an ample supply of ice screws to protect their progress. Participants were: Leader: Steve Dougherty. Climb Leaders: Keith Hill, Scott Phillips, Kirk Kraschel and Herb Fecker. Climb Assistants: Robyn Smith, Greg Phillips, Mike Niemeyer, Linda Bedard, Jerry Croft and Jess Palacios. Participants: Matt Tryon, Jim Collins, Brian Kier, Sussie Callahan, Dan Sewell, Jane Morris, Rick Slezak, Rebecca Tryon, Brad Dougherty and Amy Palacios. |
| Dan Sewell ~ Sep 25, 2007 |
| Eliot Glacier Ice School was outstanding. Kudos to all the leaders/assistants that volunteered their time and willingly shared their expertise. This school is an absolute must for any climbers who are interested in learning the basic skills required for alpine climbing. The technical skills emphasized including use of crampons, ice axes, traversing glaciers, etc. was invaluable and cannot be learned soley from reading a book but requires actual time on the ice. This is a typical Steve Doughterty course being extremely well organized and emphasizing practical skills. We look forward to applying what we learned to future alpine climbs. |
| Jerry Croft ~ Sep 25, 2007 |
| For those past and future climb school students that aspire to intermediate and advanced snow/ice climbs, the Eliot Glacier weekend picks up where basic climb school leaves off. You will learn to use crampons and ice axe on flat to vertical terrain. You will get a chance to place ice screws, build anchors, prusik, climb and belay on vertical ice with minimal risk. You will get up close and personal with glacier ice and navigate the Eliot glacier icefall as part of a rope team. You will have personalized instruction from people who want you to succeed and enjoy your success as much as you do. When the basic school is over, you will still wonder if you are ready for climbing glaciated peaks. After the Eliot Glacier weekend, you will know the answer and will have fun in the process of that discovery. My comliments to all who participated this year - your sense of fun and enthusiasm was very inspiring. Steve Dougherty never ceases to amaze with his meticulous organization. What a treat we had for lunch on the Glacier when Steve boiled up Octoberfest Sausages with buns and mustard for all! Thanks to Jim Collins for a marvelous gourmet dinner and breakfast. |