Porky

Howie and I went on hike in the Catkill mountains today. We climbed Blackhead mountain from Storks Nest Road.
The start of the hike followed an old carriage road up to a notch. There were still some leaves on the trees down in the valley.
Stopped for a quick break in the notch, then continued on up the Escarpment trail. Coming down the trail, we saw a porcupine! It got within two feet of us. It was first time I ever saw one. Howie wanted to get a closer look, but I wouldn't let him.
Futher up on the ridge, the snow got deeper - about 12 inches or so. It was mushy snow, and I didn't have my snowshoes. Made for a very tiring ascent.
We made it to the top and then quickly came back down.
The porcupine was the only mammal we saw this day. Got back to the car six hours after we started.

Summit Elevation: Blackhead 3940 ft
Round-trip Distance: 9.4 mi
Elevation Change: 2800 ft