Shirley and Blondie setting out for Three Fingered Jack from the Santiam Pass Trailhead (August 2009).

There it is (August 2009).

A closer look. Click photo for full resolution version and note the climbers on the summit pitch (Aug. 2009).

About to leave the PCT for the climbers’ trail leading up the south ridge of the mountain (Aug. 2009).

Our sweet girl taking a break (Aug. 2009).

A trail leading up the south ridge of Three Fingered Jack (Aug. 2009).

Blondie girl (Aug. 2009).

Blondie (August 2009).

And Blondie (August 2009).

Shirley hiking up the south ridge (August 2009).

Views from the south ridge (August 2009).

Three Fingered Jack

Shirley approaching the rope up spot with Mount Washington and Three Sisters in the background (August 2009).

Approaching the rope up spot (August 2009).

Shirley and I at the rope up spot on the south ridge (August 2009).

Leading the first pitch – a choosy 4th class traverse (August 2009).

Leading pitch 1 (August 2009).

Looking back at Shirley from the lead of pitch 1 (August 2009).

Shirley starting pitch 1 (August 2009).

Shirley following “The Crawl” section of pitch 1 (August 2009).

On “the crawl” section of pitch 1 (August 2009).

Leading the low 5th class pitch 2 with Shirley belaying (August 2009).

Views of Mount Jefferson to the north (August 2009).

Shirley approaching the summit with yours truly belaying (August 2009).

Shirley arriving on the summit (August 2009).

Views from the summit (August 2009).

Starting the descent (August 2009).

Shirley rapping off the summit (August 2009).

Almost down the technical section (August 2009).