M is for Mazamas

M is for Mazamas.  

That means Mountain Goat.

And it is a group of Mountaineers.

My father was a member of this group for many years.   He was group leader on the climbs and also took part in many search and rescue parties.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

 (Dad on the right.)   The group climbed Baker, Ruth and Shuksan on this expedition.   

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)

(Daddy on the left.)   Dad and a climbing partner set off  from  Mt. Hood's Timberline Lodge  about midnight on  Friday, to climb up the western face and with plans to return by late Saturday afternoon.    Near the summit they were hit with a  blinding snow storm and had to  dig in right there on the slope and try to survive Saturday night on the mountain.  They had a few snacks, one sleeping bag (mummy bag) and the clothes on their backs.   When my Dad did not return Saturday night my grandparents alerted Mountain Rescue.   But because of the storm no one could go up. Everyone was afraid they were dead.   Sunday morning the rescue teams went up and found the two men just beginning to make their way down the mountain, cold and hungry but alive.  (Thankfully, or I wouldn't exist and wouldn't be telling this tale.)    

Mt. Hood.

(this picture is from the web)

During his Mazama years my father climbed Mt. Hood,  North, Middle and South Sisters,  Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams,  Mt. St. Helens,  Mt. Baker,  Mt. Shuksan ,  just about every peak, large or small in the Cascade Mountain Range except Rainier.   He also climbed in Mexico.  

Mt.  Shuksan

(this picture is from the web)

Mt. Adams

(this picture is from the web)

It's Alphabe-Thursday.  Come and see all the other M posts at Jenny Matlock's.