Neither sunshine nor lack of snow could stop 7 SACsters from spending a delightful 3-day weekend at Cloud Cap Inn at the 6,000' level on the north side of Mt Hood last week. The 4 mile trail up to the Inn was uncharacteristically bare with about one quarter of it ice, half dirt, and the upper quarter consolidated snow.
Snowshoers Lou Schwab, son Jeff, and friend Jason were up early Friday afternoon, followed later that day by Dana and Rich Margosian. Most of us simply hiked up, but some felt better negotiating the ice on snow shoes. On Saturday, Bill Geibel and Linda Willnow hoofed it up in time to enjoy the Saturday night dinner special - steak, salad and potatoes. The Inn effortlessly handled about 20 folks over the weekend. As the Crag Rat's restoration work progresses, more and more sleeping rooms in the east wing are becoming habitable.
Dana and several folks from the Hermiston/Heppner crew (Arbuckle Nordic Club) climbed the gullies leading to Coppers Spur on Saturday and found enough snow to crank a few turns with their skis - at least enough to justify having carried them in.
Sunday witnessed a leisurely breakfast (a rather Spartan affair of just orange juice, coffee, bacon, sausage, eggs, and pancakes) and a retreat back to the cars. Some skied the road while others hiked the trail and re-negotiated the trail ice.
Our Crag Rat host, Scott Hukari of Salem, was as gracious as ever, even when it was discovered Friday that the Inn's water system was temporarily dry. SAC's quid pro quo this year will again be helping to put in the winter firewood supply. October 15-16 has been identified as the wood weekend. One or two days enjoying the Inn in the Fall, and cutting a little wood at the same time, is a great way to further enjoy this tremendous mountain facility.
