I have an ongoing goal - hike Cascade and Porter every month. My goal for today was Porter. My Cascade and Porter numbers are out of sync, and I wanted to bring them a little closer together. I hadn't really thought about how hiking just one peak affects my goal of both for the month, but since it's December, and I wasn't close to 12 for 12 for the year, "just Porter" would be fine.
I got a later start than normal, but that was OK. I was hoping to find a well packed trail that I could cruise on and make good time. The trail was well packed, and I wore snowshoes right from the start. Around 3/4 of a mile in, my headlamp batteries decided they were done for the day. There was enough daylight that I could see where I was going, so I didn't stop to get my spare headlamp out. This was mostly fine, but I think it slowed me down. Above about 3,500 feet there started to be snow drifts which made it tricky to stay on the trail in some spots in the low light. I probably should have gotten out that spare headlamp.
At the view spot just before reaching the trail junction, it was clear that the sunrise was going to be nice, and should at least get above tree-line on Cascade to see it. I headed for Cascade, and after a check of my watch, I decided that I was only going to get Cascade today. The sunrise certainly delivered, and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Regarding my monthly Cascade & Porter goal, I made it to both six times this year, and of course today's "Cascade only". I don't remember when I started this goal, but I think 2025 has been my best year so far. Here's to getting over 50% in 2026!
As for my Cascade & Porter numbers, the divide grows deeper. I think the views were worth it!