May 2013 Archive

27
May
2013
jloomis

Memorial Day Camping at Rock Creek Reservoir - Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon

Picture of Fishing at Rock Creek Reservoir, Oregon

We spent Memorial Day weekend camping in our travel trailer at Rock Creek Reservoir near Wamic, Oregon. Katie and I were both fortunate enough to get Friday off, so we made it an extra long weekend and left Portland Thursday after work. Rock Creek Reservoir is a small, 100 acre lake (when full in the spring) located in Tygh Valley within the Mt Hood National Forest. The lake is about 6 miles WSW of the town of Wamic and is stocked several times each Spring with rainbow trout.

22
May
2013
jloomis

Alpinizmo Lightning 50 Backpack by High Peak USA Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of High Peak Alpinizmo Lightning 50 Backpack

Features:

The Alpinizmo Lightning 50 backpack by High Peak USA is big on features and light on weight at 3.4 pounds. It features a top lid pocket, 2 side compression straps, side pockets, and dual ice axe holders. The Lightning 50 pack is also hydration compatible, has a pre-bent aluminum suspension bar, EVA foam shoulder straps, chest belt, air channel Vario System, and two main compartments with divider.

15
May
2013
jloomis

Alpinizmo Swiftlite Tent by High Peak USA Review

Product Rating: 
5
Picture of High Peak Alpinizmo Swiftlite Tent

Features:

From High Peak USA, "Following the ultralite trend, the Swiftlite is a roomy, two person shelter that weighs just 2 lbs. 14 oz. This single wall tent can be fully enclosed to keep out the elements and features a durable seam-sealed Ripstop nylon construction. Two 7.9 mm 7000 series aluminum poles support the structure. Ventilation is achieved through two built-in side vents, a zippered door and open foot area with No-see-um, seam-taped bug netting."

08
May
2013
jloomis

High Peak Phantom 45+10 Backpack Review

Product Rating: 
4
Picture of High Peak Phantom 45+10 Backpack

Features:

From High Peak USA, "The Phantom 45+10 is the little pack that could. Super rugged construction weighing only 4 lbs., 8 oz., fully adjustable harness system, lots of pockets and compression straps on this 45 liter backpack that continually works and plays hard. The Phantom 45+10 is ideal for teens and adult trekkers. It is the men’s version of the Luna 45+10."

04
May
2013
jloomis

Climbing Mt Jefferson via SW Ridge Route

Picture of Cloud Forming over Mt Jefferson Summit

I have always found Mt Jefferson (Oregon's second tallest peak) to be one of the best looking of the cascade volcanoes when it is snow covered. This weekend I decided to take an exploratory trip up the SW Ridge climbing route. My goal was not to summit, but possibly get as high as the "Red Saddle" a couple hundred feet below the summit pinnacle. The weather was forecast to be warm with winds around 45 mph. I hate wind, but decided to go anyway. It has been a while since I last climbed and I have been eager to get out again.