Got my fix for hiking the High Peaks this past weekend as my fiancee and I took a trip to Cascade Mountain for a day hike. What a beautiful weekend for hiking. The morning started off quite rough for us. We woke up an hour late, we couldn't find the directions and trip itinerary that we had initially planned, and we were both bickering with one another because we were both feeling a bit stressed. We decided to split up the duties so we could get the things we needed to get done finished and we could do it without stepping on each others toes.
We got those things done, and we were off. A nice 4 hour drive at 7 am allowed us to catch up on the last week and talk about plans for the near and far future. We arrived at the trailhead around 11 am, geared up, signed the registry and things couldn't be better. We hiked up Cascade Mountain, a gorgeous trail and pretty easy, enjoyable hiking the entire way, in just under 2 hours. Apparently Cascade Mountain is quite the popular trail for hikers. When we were hiking up the mountain, we only passed about three other groups on the ascent, but as we reached the summit, there was barely a spot to sit and each lunch. However, we found a ledge for ourselves, ate lunch, laid out in the sun for a while and took a bunch of pictures before beginning the descent.
The descent was pretty easy and we made it down the mountain back to the car in just over an hour. We headed back and stopped off at some of the local stores to look at some kayaks, canoes, and other gear before heading back to Syracuse. My only regret for the whole trip was the missed opportunity to hike Porter Mountain, another high peak, that same day. As we were heading to the summit, there was a trail junction with a sign that read “Porter Mt. .7 (ascent 270')” with an arrow indicating to take the trail to the right. We decided that we would finish the ascent to the summit of Cascade and decide whether or not to make the trip to Porter on the descent. Upon our descent, we decided not to hike Porter because we were a bit tired, the knees were a bit sore, and we had a long drive back home ahead of us. When I got home that night, I read some information about Porter Mountain and found out that it was one of the 46 high peaks and one that I had not yet done. When I read this, I was a bit disappointed because I could have been one mountain closer to being a 46er, but I didn't lose much sleep over the missed opportunity. Live and learn I guess. Overall, the trip was a wonderfully enjoyable experience that I was able to share with my fiancee and I wouldn't trade it for the world. 
It sounds like you had a great time and It looked from the pictures that the weather was beautiful. I loved hiking in the adirondack and can not wait for my experience with Raquette Lake. I know you are a physical education major? Let me know about the awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteSick pictures, man, making me jealous. Theres nothing like a relaxing hike, I think upstate new yorks got to have some of the best trails too. I dont think nearly enough people get out enough to experience the beauty and simplicity of nature in today's busy technology-focused world. Im glad to see you're amongst those of us who still like to take the time to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and overall feel of being in the woods/mountains. Theres nothing more rewarding than a long hike that ends in a breathtaking view. Keep it up mang.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Pictures. I especially like the stairs and cascade lake. You could'nt have asked for better weather
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this, but i feel like your posts are not only all about you, but around the same topic. Granted, we have to center around an idea that we have chosen, but the last couple that i have read are about hiking and the same type of story line, you start off rough and end feeling pretty good about it all. You have great stories and even pictures, dont get me wrong, but id like you to broaden your thoughts.
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