We're heading out tomorrow morning. Driving to Portland to gear up, then have dinner with my firstborn and her husband at Portland City Grill, then out thru Zigzag and Rhodedendron to Government Camp. We'll try to get a few hours of shut eye before the 2am departure from the trailhead at Timberline Lodge. Skis and extra layers on our backs, we'll begin the ascent, under a mostly full moon. There will be a dusting of fresh snow on the ground. All I hope to accomplish is the arrival at the Pearly Gates! The one's on the mountain, not the real ones! Not just yet anyway. If we get to the gates, we'll take some pics, then head left. From there, the top is in site! So, I'm heading into this with no strong desire to fight against nature. If it's right, we'll summit, if it's not right we won't. You'll have to check back to find out how we did. We are planning to ski down, but not from the top. Just from the bottom of Hogs Back. If the snow is fresh up there, we will ski from higher up. I'm really looking forward to this! Even though it's yet undetermined, it's fun to think about. The snow conditions have to be just right.

Stay tuned. If I make it back, you'll be the first to know!