Fueled by peanut butter sandwiches, amused by a dog in goggles, and encouraged by views of the antics of other costumed climbers, our group of official Mt. St. Helens Mother's Day Eve climbers and unofficial climbers met at noon atop its crater rim. All Chemeketans on the mountain dressed to the nines with the theme of "Prom" guiding our selection of gowns and accessories.
Included in the official group, one never to pass up an opportunity to wear a dress, was Mason Smith, in a light blue Cinderella dress (or should we say Cinderfella?).
Outfitted in a long red evening dress with a plunging neck line and uncertain straps was Brent Johnson. In a short, form fitting cocktail dress, was the ever elegant Elizabeth Nelson (who will forever now be known for her amazing summit treats - ah... the expectations we will now have). And finally there were leader Ellen Gradison in a long tutu with matching necklaces and graceful assistant Kaitlin Sommerfeld in a poofy pastel green delight.
In line with some of the skimpier outfits, Mt. St. Helens herself wore very little snow creating good opportunities for learning to use crampons (starting with the fundamentals "How do you know when to put them on?"..."You'll know") and only marginal opportunities for glissading. The weather was perfect: not too warm and not windy. The alternative group included Gregory: modeling a form fitting orange number (is anyone surprised?); Linda: whose outfit and tiara were so reflective they blinded the looker without sunglasses; Cathy: notable for the outstanding sparkly turquoise dress with matching hat and 'Prom Queen' sash; and escorts (or were they chaperones ?) Ping and Diana, in a classy black dress with shiny bling. Lucky few also had the chance to briefly catch up with Geoff Maggi on his descent, who was sporting a beautiful pink tutu with a sparkly pink 'Prom Queen' sash.
Kudos to Elizabeth Nelson and Brent Johnson, recent Climb School grads who joined coming highly recommended (by Frosty and Jeff) for their first Chemeketans climb and first ever summit. May they continue to climb in such style! Oh, and did we mention fun was had?
