Some people collect stamps. Some people take up knitting. Others play Suduko. And then there are people who strap themselves into harnesses and scale precipices. Jordan Bermingham is one of those people, and next week, he wants you to join him.
Bermingham, the new Outdoor Program coordinator, is running the group’s first climbing trip of the year on Oct. 26th to the French Dome rock face, located between Mt. Hood and Portland, six miles from the Lolo Pass Road Ranger Station. The area is a common destination for the ODP, who gallivant into the rocky wilderness several times a year. The area provides climbers of all levels the chance to move off of the R.E.I. climbing wall and into nature.
Bermingham has worked for the ODP since July 2006, while he finished his master’s degree. After graduation last June he applied for the coordinator position and was instated last September. Usually ODP trips are run and planned by students, Berminghan said, but as his trip leaders work to gain a little more experience, he will be in charge of this excursion.
Climbers can be sure they are in good hands. The charismatic and soft-spoken coordinator and trip guide boasts an impressive resume, which includes 17 years experience climbing, four years as a full-time guide for troubled youth in the Catherin Freer Wilderness Program and training in high angle rescues.
French Dome is the perfect place for beginners, Bermingham said, as its face provides a similar structure to the one that novices might find simulated in an indoor climbing gym, making the transition an easy one.
But even if you have never touched a climbing wall, you are still welcome on the trip. Bermingham, who confessed having to conquer a small fear of heights himself before each climb, stressed that the experience is not competitive. He explained that the itinerary for the climb is “very loose, challenge by choice. What is success for one person is getting to the top. What is success for another is getting up 15 feet. We support that.”
Either way, the trip “creates a situation where a person with little experience can go out, have a good time and be successful.” French dome provides simple obstruction free shoots to the top, harder paths for the more experienced, and even places for those who just want to climb a few feet off the ground.
The trip is open to students for a fee of $34 and $41 for faculty and staff. The trip fee includes transportation and equipment. Water, food and appropriate clothing are all participants need to bring.
After signing up, climbers are required to attend one pre-trip meeting where the group goes through introductions and safety precautions. The trip begins at 8 a.m. on Oct. 26. The caravan of climbers leave from the equipment building on 6th Avenue and with a quick traditional stop at Joe’s Donuts in Sandy, they are on their way.
The group usually reaches the site by 11 a.m. at the latest and climbs until everyone is done. Times are incredibly flexible, but return time is usually no later than 7 p.m.
Space is limited–taking smaller groups allows for more specialized attention and insurance of safe climbs.
Put down those knitted booties people, save the Suduko for Sunday and just go ahead and give up the stamp collection, because it’s time to hit the rocks.