Shortly before dusk Patrick McCarthy and I pulled into to Government camp. What lay before our eyes was nothing short of insanity. A mob of teenagers crowded around a stage set in the middle of town. Stepping onto the stage, Andrew Crawford began beating out a drum solo lasting a solid 2 minutes while the kids went berserk. This was followed by a blaring guitar solo and Crawford screaming out Motorhead lyrics. The crowd went wild, stage diving ensued, and High Cascade Snowboard Camp's "Air Band challenge" had ended in a show of pure energy. Crawford is the king of the air- guitar. Events like this can only happen at summer camp.
After the shipping of our newest issue, 6.1, I decided to take the release party on the road. Patrick McCarthy and I headed to snowboarding's summertime ground zero, Mt. Hood, to visit the camps, shred some summer snow, and party like a couple of 15 year olds. Fueled by Cobra Dogs and Volcano cones, we made our assault on Mt. Hood as if we were trying to cram an entire summer of debauchery into 3 days. I suppose you could call it a success. We were invited to a Japanese dinner with the Adult and Japanese campers (If you're over 18 and want to experience the best freestyle setup in the northern hemisphere, you must seriously consider going to HCSC) which was followed by a trip down memory lane to the notorious Ratskeller Tavern. Cover-boy McCarthy spent the rest of the night signing copies of frequency:TSJ's newest issue while living up to his irish talents of alcohol consumption.
Day-two was essentially a sequel to day one including a halfpipe demo put on by Josh Dirksen, Austin Smith, as well as famed coach James Jackson. Ben Bogart, Jesse Burtner, and Janna Mayen captivated campers on the rails with some stunning combos. Janna proved her X-Games three-pete worthiness and more than one camper was seen taking notes. Mini ramp sessions, dodgeball, and a massive BBQ followed that evening but what really capped the night off was the 80's dance party and Karakoe rampage held at the Burton Demo center. Those guys can belt out "99 Red Ballons" like nobody's business.
Huge thanks to Brian Reid (Freq-week attendee) and Timberline Lodge for the amazing facilities. The public park now rivals the camps! Snowboarding in the summertime has never been so much fun. Looking back on my first summer shred experience back in 1989, things have certainly improved at camp. Thanks to Kevin, Preston, and the whole HCSC staff for an awesome time.
Mt. Hood blows up!
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