Memorial Day is an easy long, holiday weekend to take a road trip. Last year, Andy and I packed up the Jeep and headed to Yellowstone National Park. This year wasn’t going to be any different with plans to head to Oregon for some great outdoor fun.
With the Jeep loaded with tons of climbing and skiing gear, we hit the road Thursday after work for the seven hour drive. Arriving at Smith Rock right before midnight, we set up our tent in the bivouac area and immediately went to bed.
Smith Rock
Since Smith Rock can be busy on the weekends, especially over the holiday, the plan was to only rock climb at Smith Rock on Friday. After a quick scramble, we were over Asterisk Pass and were ready to climb. Bailing after the rain started since three out of the four of us did not have rain gear, we all walked around the base of Smith Rock. The rain started to be more steady as we hiked back to the campground to take a break. Others when back to the wall after the rain finished, but Andy and I decided to hang out at the campground.
I miss multiple night camping trips.
Dixie starting her scramble down Asterisk Pass.
No animals were harmed in the making of this picture.
After a full day of climbing, I stayed up to take a time lapse of the stars. Fortunately, a meteor shower was passing through and was visible!
Mount Bachelor Ski Resort
Excited to check off another ski resort after thinking the ski season was over, I was in my skis and getting my legs warmed up. It was a great day with views of the Sisters volcanoes. Even though there were only three lifts open and the resort closed early, the lift ticket rates were the same as normal season. I was a little disappointed to learn I would be paying full price for half the resort, but there was nothing I could do.
Taking in the views near the summit of Mount Bachelor.
Enjoying local microbrews after spring skiing.
Gorgeous sunset at Smith Rock as we returned to our campsite. (Photo by: Andy Crampton)
South Sister
Julie and Thaddée decided to climb the first third of the route and camp near Moraine Lake the night before, so Will, Andy, and I had an early alpine start from Smith Rock. Since everyone else had a backcountry ski set up, Andy was gracious enough to carry my skis on his backpack, so everyone was not waiting for me to get off the mountain. With my ski boots on my pack, I climbed the mountain as everyone else skinned up. Again, the views of the area were similar as the prior day with snow capped volcanoes and rolling green foothills.
I am a lucky girl – Andy carrying my skis!
Meeting up with Julie and Thaddée.
After the amount of physical activities in Oregon, Andy and I headed back Monday after packing up camp. To avoid traffic, we drove through Chinook Pass near Mount Rainier, which was beautiful and had just opened from the winter season.
Which activity would you try?
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