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

Finally!

We finally had a break from cloudy, windy and rainy weather. So, I took a day off from work and went hiking!
Howie and I climbed Porter and Cascade mountains in the Adirondack High Peaks from the Garden trailhead.

The fall colors were past peak, but there were still lots of yellows in the lower valley. Near the top of the mountains there was a dusting of snow. We had a picture perfect day for our trek which took us a little over 6 hours.

Summit Elevation: Porter 4059 ft, Cascade 4098
Round-trip Distance: 10.0 mi
Elevation Change: 3100 ft











Big Slide from Little Porter











On Porter mountain











View from Cascade

Mission Accomplished!

Today, I hiked Sawteeth mountain in Adirondacks with Todd and Mengis from work. (Howie couldn't go because of AMR restrictions - no dogs).
This was a momentous occasion as it was my 46th high peak - thus making me an Adirondack 46er. Woohoo!
We had a picture perfect day for this event. Some Fall colors, but not peak yet.

Summit Elevation: Sawteeth 4100 ft,
Round-trip Distance: 13.0 mi
Elevation Change: 2800 ft













Me on the summit
















Rainbow Falls