Last Sunday, I joined a group of pharmacists from my hospital job at an outdoor climbing class organized through my gym. Since starting the activity in January, getting outside was the general goal.
I met our small group of six that morning at French's Dome. The andesite crag is located an hour east of Portland, on the flanks of Mt. Hood near the town of Zig Zag. Routes range in height from 80'-160', and most are well-bolted. The setting is tranquil, invoking a feeling of solitude in the old-growth forest. Spectacular views of Mt. Hood abound.
Our skilled guide, Leah, set up top rope on the following three routes: Oz (5.8), Alpha (5.8), and Giant's Direct (5.5). All of us were successful in completing the climbs, though I was surprised by the mental fear that I was faced with. We also agreed that time seemed to pass more slowly while on route; it felt as though we were on the crag longer than we actually were.
Other climbers trickled in and out over the next few hours, always maintaining a friendly atmosphere. We were also blessed with beautiful weather. I genuinely enjoyed my introduction to outdoor climbing, and am looking forward to future opportunities to get outside this summer!
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| Date climbed: 6/9/19 |
