Mt Hood by Aspen Leonhardt in Boulder

Based off of my 3 month stay in the Pacific North West! Mt hood, Located out east of Portland, was a place I spent most of my free time. Between mountaineering and sluggin coffee paired with delicious pastries! The most mind altering experience took place in the Ape Caves; A retired lava tube system that provides two experiences. The first being a brisk walk through larger chambers that are flatter in the pathways. The second being a 1.5 mile path through rigged chambers where you must climb rock piles. Done solo; I found the journey to be a whirlwind of emotions. The initial adrenaline of being isolated to the darkness; with nothing but the faith that your flashlight wont let you down till your free. The air, thick with burdens of Mt Saint Hellens secrets. nothing but the sound of rocks tumbling with each step forward; the walls matching the scales and slick movements of the serpent. I felt this was a beautiful summary of my stay in Oregon. Emotional, Restorative, Challenging, Isolation, Liberating, The light at the end of the tunnel, some would say.