Just like to say hey as I browse around here, just getting started in mountaineering and this seems to be a great place for information. Up until a few months ago, I was a pack a day smoker for 18 years. I put it all into perspective this summer before going rafting for the first time......There's a lot of stuff I want to be able to do during my lifetime instead of just wishing I could. The biggest one is climbing Mt. Adams. My family hails from the Trout Lake and Glenwood areas, so I've spent a fair portion of my life around Adams. I've had several family members climb it, and I've always said, "man, I'd love to do that". As a smoker though, it was not possible. Up to 2002, the highest hike I'd done was Hager Mountain in Central Oregon at 7178', and the older I got and more I smoked.....the harder it was to deal with hiking and elevation.
So, since quitting I've been to the top of Mt. Scott and the 7800' mark of South Sister. My goal is to summit South Sister, Adams, and Hood next summer, so I'll probably be asking some questions of the more experienced here. I've also started a blog on my experiences that some may find interesting as I share adventures.
