![](http://www.mountainhikingholidays.com/johnblog/uploaded_images/Mt_Hood_11-23-2008-705370-717099.jpg)
After two days of dreary weather, the sun emerged in full glory beckoning us on a late afternoon excursion to see "the mountain." Though the hike along the quarter-mile-long trail from the Larch Mountain parking lot to the fenced in viewpoint atop Sherrard Peak was short, the icy, howling wind made it a challenge. But the crystal clear views of five snow-clad volcanoes--Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson--was reward enough!