Cascade & Porter Day Trip

December 28, 2019

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it’s lethal.”

Peace out 2019!

I can't help but wonder what my life would be like, year after year without travel and adventure in it. Actually on second thought, I don't ever think of my life without either of those.

Since becoming a hiker and traveler I have developed such an appreciation for what nature can provide me. On levels unexplainable and unimaginable to those who don't spend much time outside of their normal daily routines.

I had made friendships that will be life long with other adventurers just like myself. Who also understand the value of travel and adventure. I couldn't be more grateful. These are friends who would drop whatever they are doing just to throw on a heavy pack and hit a trail that neither of us know where it leads, or pack up our cars from back to front with as much camping gear imaginable and go off grid for days with no connection to the world.

I was craving this type of last minute adventure, so I reached out to some friends. One of which was willing to spend 9 hours total in the car just to hike for only 4 hours. But we both admire the Adirondacks and love what those mountains have to offer us in return.

Dana picked me up at my house at about 5:45am. We took both of our dogs with us and we arrived at the trailhead by 9:45am.

We hit the trail by 10:30am. Trail conditions were pure ice the entire way. We used only our micro-spikes. Although in the Adirondacks it is a requirement to use snowshoes in winter, these were not conditions to do so. At times, I would have preferred even crampons.

The forecast said slight chance of clearing as the day went on. The two peaks are part of the ADK 46ers. Also, only a few of the shorter and easier peaks to get to, so it seemed like the wise choice for a day trip. We hit the trail, and before I knew it we were at the junction for Porter. We decided to hit Cascade first, which was the spur of the two peaks.

Cascade was a little rock scramble to the summit and what probably had spectacular views on a clear day proved to be incredibly windy and we saw only the color gray. We quickly took our summit photos and went back to the junction.

We headed towards Porter. On our way over the sun certainly started to show it's beautiful self. The skies started to clear a bit. We then came to this beautiful large outlook we climbed to the top of and there it was, a beautiful view of clearing. In the distance was the High Peaks Wilderness! Mount Marcy in the distance and several others surrounding. Such a grand view with some cloud coverage whipping by and the sun just peaking out.

After a few minutes we then made it to the official summit where we took a few photos and then went back to the view point for a snack break. Here we sat for almost a half hour before finishing out the day.

Taking in the warm sunshine and beautiful views.

Once back at the car we both agreed we needed to grab a bite and of course a beer. We hit one of our favorite places, Big Slide Brewery. Enjoyed our beer and poutine and hit the road for home.