Becoming a 46er: October 2011

Porter Mountain:

Statistics:
Miles to Summit: 2.3
Ascent: 270 feet
Elevation: 4,060
38th Highest Peak
Dogs: Yes, leashed
Maximum Group Size: 15 for day, 8 for night
Difficulty: moderate, some areas severe

Porter Mountain is actually right off the trail of Cascade Mountain. Since the goal is to climb all forty-six peaks it makes the most sense to climb both of these together, which is what I did. The trail for Porter is right of the trail of Cascade. Although the hike up to the Porter side of the mountain was much easier and less steep, it was way more muddier. And I mean way more. I hate mud. So much, which is proof in this picture of me after mud bogging in the Dominican Republic...look how happy I am:

So as to expect I was very unhappy on this hike up to Porter. I mean look how muddy the trails were!

This trail was a lot less populated then the other one...probably because either people were way too tired to hike even more than they already did or they did not think the view was worth it because for Porter the peak was not as high up and there was less of an area to call the "top." I thought that the hike from the Porter trail sign to the top was a lot easier than most of Cascade and more fun.

There was also another side of this peak so there were two trails to get to the top instead of just one like most of the peaks.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!
I did make it to the top of Porter within I would have to see thirty or so minutes. This
is the view from the top!!

NOTE: The trails were really muddy so it would be best to wear hiking boots. If you do not have hiking boots, definitely wear old shoes. Mine turned out like this:

Cascade Mountain:

Statistics:
Miles to Summit: 2.4
Ascent: 1,940 feet
Elevation: 4,098 feet
36th Highest Peak
Dogs: Yes, leashed
Maximum Group Size: 15 for day, 8 for night
Difficulty: Moderate, some areas: Severe

I arrived at the base of Cascade Mountain at around 9:30 in the morning to a very busy road. There were a ton of cars already there which was surprising to me. I never knew so many people were hikers! As I found the entrance of the peak (a three minute walk from where I parked) there was a steep downhill and a little ways down the welcome box.

I signed in and then began my journey! But my excitement did not last for long. It was not far before the hike got steep. And I mean steep. I could not believe it! But I guess thats why they are called peaks and not nature trails.

As I continued up the steep peakside, there was more mud on the trail, which is not what I enjoy at all. There were a lot of rock ledges for you to walk up on like steps but rock is not the best surface for people who have knees like I do. I have had two ACL surgeries on both of my knees so this was not good for them. I felt the soreness in my knees not even half way up! Granted, I have not been that physically active since hockey season last year, but still. The people that I passed, which there were a lot of people so it was very busy, were of all ages and from all sorts of places! Even Canada and New York City (but those people didn't last very long and turned back). The people were of all ages too, from little three year olds (yes, little three year olds trying to hike up something I had a lot of difficulty doing) and there were even old men hiking. A lot of dogs went with their owners as well and it was nice to see. Here are some more views of the climb:

SPOILER ALERT!!!

I did make it to the top after about two hours. For those of you who would like to see the view for yourselves I caution not to look at these next photos for they may ruin the surprise!

When I finally after what seemed like the third time I was close to the top I made it to the clearing. What I saw though was not encouraging:

This was my next challenge when I thought the most challenging was behind me! Another big stupid rock to climb!! With way too much effort that I did not want to put in I finally climbed to the top of that beast and saw an amazing view: