Lightboot hikers: Ted and Roses's Climb to Camp Muir on 5-1-14

On Thursday, May 1, Ted and I decided to attempt to hike up to Camp Muir from 5400 feet to 10,000 feet. Quite the elevation gain and a very strenuous hike. We left from the Paradise parking lot at 7:35 a.m. It was a beautiful bright, sunny day. The mountain was out and the sky was clear. We started on the uphill paths, as there were many of them. It was getting warm. There were not that many people, which is normal for the middle of the week. On weekends it would be crowded, especially on a day like today.

Ted and I hiked up the very steep hill going to Panorama Point. There were no set steps going up the hill, so it was a little difficult to climb up. This is still the winter route. When the snow melts, the summer route will open and be a little easier to get up. When we got to Panorama Point, the view was amazing. We had great views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. After a brief break, we headed to Pebble Creek at 7300 feet. The snow was getting mushy, so I put on my snowshoes. Ted had put his on before starting up the steep hill.

We made it to Pebble Creek and it was getting a little breezy, but okay, because it was warm and the breeze felt good. We had a nice break there, then next stop would be Moon Rocks at 9,000 feet. I like to put wands on the Muir snow field because I like to come back the same way we hike up. When we got to Moon Rocks it was really breezy and cool. Ted was not feeling too well, not sure if it was the altitude or not. After another break there, then it was the last push to Camp Muir. Like my friend, Liz, says, it becomes a head game. Talking yourself into doing this. We deal with altitude, exhaustion and steepness.

When I spotted the buildings at Camp Muir, I was really excited! Almost there! When we got there it was very windy and cold. Had to put on my wind pants and warmer jacket. We had something to eat. There was a group of people there practicing with climbing ropes going up and down Camp Muir hill. Ted and I decided not to stay there too long as it was really windy, so we headed down. The snow was really mushy, so happy to have snowshoes. It was good to finally get down off the mountain and get back to the parking lot. It was a long hike up and back. The day was incredible and we had a great time! But very tired!