Guts to Glory

First Time Summit: Mount Hood

By Dana Kaye

Last year’s participants in the American Lung Association’s “Reach The Summit” fundraiser, Dona Kaye is in the first row, fifth from the right.

Ascending the summit, Dona Kaye is the second from the bottom.

Like many Oregonians, I’ve always wanted to see the world from the top of Mount Hood. Last year I seized an opportunity to make that dream a reality.

The snow-covered mountain that looms to the east has always been landmark enough to make me stop, take a deep breath, and feel grounded. In March 2007, I committed to my first mountain climb. Prior to this, I had done some moderate hiking, but summiting the 11,239’ mountain was not something I had the skills to accomplish.

I decided to participate in a team climb as part of a program that offered training, camaraderie, and guidance. This structure was appealing to me. The program, Reach the Summit, was also a fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon. My daughter Gracie died six years ago from acute respiratory distress syndrome. The program offered a way to celebrate her life and contribute to research that will help prevent others from experiencing a similar loss.

Spring arrived and so did the training hike schedule. On weekends, I met up with my soon-to-be climbing partners and we ventured into the Columbia River Gorge, the coast range, and Mount Hood National Forest to build our endurance for the June climb. During the week I discovered all of the hill hikes in Portland and spent time climbing stairs wherever I could find them. I began accumulating new outdoor equipment. During several months of training I never once second-guessed my decision because I had such strong encouragement and support from my teammates, family, and friends.

Before I knew it, the big day arrived. I loaded my backpack and headed east. As I drove toward the mountain, I began worrying about the climb. What would the weather be like? Would my down jacket keep me warm enough? Would I reach the summit?

My first day on the mountain consisted of a pre-climb safety clinic with other climbers. The professional guides reviewed the tools and techniques we would be using for the ascent. Crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and ropes were all part of the mix. We practiced the different steps we would be using and discussed the plan for the following day.

The group was chauffeured to Silcox Hut for a delicious dinner and an even closer view of the peak we would be scaling the next morning. I admired the mountain, and my excitement began to build even more.
We rested a few hours. The guides awoke us just before midnight. The time had come for me to set aside all anxiety, rely on my training, and see what the world looked like from the top of Mount Hood. I dressed in layers, laced up my boots, and double-checked my headlamp. I checked my backpack to make sure I had all my climbing gear, water, and food.

Next we were shuttled another thousand feet up the mountain. We got out at the top of the Palmer lift and took a moment to mentally prepare for the physical challenge that lay before us.

It was cloudy, cold, and dark. I powered on my headlamp, strapped on my crampons, and attached myself to the rope team. The guides set the cadence, and step by step we made our way up the mountain. As we gained elevation, the moon became visible and we could see the lights of Portland.

When we arrived at Hogsback Ridge, I added another layer, drank some water, and listened carefully to the strategy for climbing the steepest part of the mountain.

Carefully placing our ice axes in the snow for stability, we inched our way up the slope. We traversed to the Old Chute route and began the push for the top, resting occasionally. Dawn broke. As the sun brightened, we saw the shadow of the mountain on the valley floor: It’s a sight only experienced from that vantage point and one that is unforgettable.

My adrenaline kicked in as I took the final steps to the summit ridge. As I walked along the crest to the mountain’s highest point, I was overwhelmed by feelings of peace and happiness. I was proud of my accomplishment and knew Gracie would have been proud of me, too. I was on cloud nine and felt so empowered by the experience. I still feel that way today. Climbing Mount Hood was one of the most positive and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had.

You may not think you can climb a mountain, but if I can, anyone can. It’s never too late to reach your dreams. To learn how, visit www.reachthesummit.us.

Dana Kaye is the executive director for the American Lung Association of Oregon. She has worked in the tobacco prevention and education field for the past 12 years.