Earlier this month, four F3 Louisville pax summited Mt. Adams (12,276 elev.) in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range (From Left – Brisket, Draw4, EKG, and Focker)
Our guide was F3 Louisville HIM Patrick Parker of Mountain Guided Ministries.
We began at the South Climb trailhead, mid-morning.
Our destination was the Lunch Counter, a windswept base camp located 4 + miles away at the foot of one Adams’ most prominent alpine glaciers.
As we left the tree line behind, we traversed our way across treacherous fields of lava rock and through long draws filled with slushy, melting snow.
Not only were we battling the terrain, we also had to protect ourselves from the harsh summer sun beating down on the mountainside and reflecting off the snow back up at us.
Eventually we made camp at the Lunch Counter and rested up for a big day of snow-school the following morning.
The next day we would stick close to camp and practice crampon travel, self-arrest techniques, and learn basic intro to crevasse rescue.
Mt. Saint Helens in the distance at sunset.
On summit day we set our alarms for 0300hrs and got an alpine start up the mountain well before sunrise. Working as a team we scaled more than 3,000 feet to the windy summit.
We made it!
Patrick, taking in the view atop the now-buried fire observation tower that was built in the early 1900s.
Mount Rainier, a mere stone’s throw away.
Beginning our descent.
In the same way the F3 is more than just a workout, this was more than just a mountaineering trip.
As we tackled the mountain we encountered obstacles, challenges, exhaustion, and mental barriers like doubt and fear. In the end it was our training, brotherhood, and the grace of our Creator that helped us reach the summit.
We made memories that will last a lifetime as we stood in awe of the glory of God’s creation all around us. We’ll be back.
F3 Louisville 