Snug as a bug in a rug, Amber was all smiles as the cooler day proved more bug-free than last month.  We set out from the parking area slow, but happy.

Along the trail, the views were blocked by clouds and the wind that eventually blew the clouds away were quite chilling.  I bundled up my little buddy and we had a snack before the push to the public shelter.

Further up the trail, the winds completed the clearing of the summit-hiding mask of clouds.  The first look at how high and close we were on Mt. Hood's northern flank, brought a shout of disbelief from the little stowaway.  She was now more focused than ever to see how high we could go.  I increased my pace to the shelter.  Once there, we had a rest and a snack,

Amber was becoming impatient and wanted to walk on her own.  I unloaded her from the Piggyback and let her walk.  One hundred yards, two hundred yards, "Daddy, I am tired", she said with a huff.  The lack of air this little one was not used to, took it's toll fast within her tiny lungs.  I loaded her back into her free ride and rushed to the final, long set of switchbacks.

We stopped again for a break and watched as a team practiced some crevasse rescue.  It gave a proper perspective of how big the Eliot Glacier system was; unfortunately, one third its size than in 1900.

The winds increased in ferocity as I bundled her up for the final pitch up the spur.  The climb for me was turning into a heck of a workout as climbing to that elevation with sixty five pounds on your back becomes work.

We could see our destination as it appeared to be no closer than a half hour ago.  We simply kept climbing as I did not want to stop for any more breaks.  Clouds were moving in from the east, and I wanted to get some views in before we had to head back.

The final push was quick and oddly enough, the summit was reached.  It looked so far away for the entire trip, an illusion no doubt.

Once at the summit, I unloaded the weight off my shoulders and hips and let Amber roam about.  The wind here was calm but the clouds were heading in.  We ate and slurped down some water while taking pictures.

Pictures of the north side's climbing route looked very difficult, almost impossible, this time of year.  I am sure it would be easier to do the spur route climb in March, but still seemed very steep.

More summit pictures were taken as she was as tired as I.  Somehow I do not think the workload was shared equally but to me, it was worth every step.  This was a very momentous trip for us.  Not many people come out here to see this beautiful spot as there was hardly anyone on the trail. 

The clouds moved in and we moved out.  I loaded Amber into the Piggyback as she thanked me for bringing her and will be planning on taking the pictures to school for show and tell.

With visibility down to almost 80 feet, I felt sorry for the people just making the climb.  I hopped that the clouds would give them the same courtesy they gave Amber and I.

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