Jul 24, 2009 -- Three Finger Jack via the South Ridge Route
Steve Dougherty ~ Jul 28, 2009
Our group of six climbers left Santiam Pass at 5:30 a.m. Saturday July 25 under clear skies. Mosquitoes were few and easily fended off with a little repellent. We made good time stopping only once for a morning snack and a view of the many mountains to our south. Assistant Greg Phillips belayed leader Steve Dougherty as he established an ascending fixed line across "The Crawl". Climbers used a prussick knot to protect themselves across the intimidating exposure. Greg again belayed Steve as he fixed a rope up the summit pinnacle to the rappel anchor. Dan Sewell cleaned the first pitch and belayed Steve on the second pitch while Greg supervised the remaining climbers as they ascended to the rappel anchor belayed by their prussick. Once the second pitch was fixed, all six climbers ascended to the airy, windless summit where they squeezed together for photos. The summit rocks were covered with hundreds of flying ants doing their best to propagate their species. The climb team descended in reverse order to the rappel anchor where they rappelled a single rope. Steve broke down the summit fixed line and down climbed to the rappel anchor belayed by Dan. Climbers used a Munter Hitch to rappel the short step between The Crawl and the summit pinnacle before making their way back across The Crawl. A sizeable group from Salem Alliance Church, led by Dave Hayden, arrived at The Crawl as Steve cleaned the final fixed line. We made our way back down to the PCT without incident and were back at the trailhead at 4 p.m. The climbers enjoyed a Pizza/Salad dinner at the leader's home near Mill City before heading home. Climbers were Kerry Ketcham, Cathy Lazarus, Stephen Rockford, Dan Sewell, Greg Phillips (assistant), and Steve Dougherty (leader).

Dan Sewell ~ Jul 28, 2009
Another superb climb by Steve. As always, I would highly recommend any (especially new) climber to sign up with Steve and go on one of his climbs. He is a great teacher who really gets you excited about climbing.


www.cascadeadventures.net