13.2 miles on the trail today
4550 feet in elevation gain
The hike I did today was probably the hardest I have ever done mentally and physicaly. ( mostly the final mile up the side up a very steep cliff face. Me and heights now really have an understanding of one another.)
The first four miles lead you to the 100 yr old granite chalet. They offer rooms for hikers to stay in and food for anyone hungry from the trail.( all of their supplies are brought in via pack mules.) The next mile or so brings you to the fork in the trail to start your trek up the side of a very steep mountain know as the "garden wall." From there you have about 1.1 miles of the most strenuous climbing/ hiking I have ever come into contact with so far. About 3/4 of the way up on that portion of the trail it turns to just rock slab covered in water with the trail itself only being a foot wide, on the left side it has a big rock wall, and on the right is a straight down drop of 1,000 feet or so.
Once you reach the top, it is the most beautiful sight I have Ever had the honor of viewing, no words can describe the feeling of concurring the mountain and then having the incredible view to take in.
I know this is said quite often, but pictures will do this gem no justice.
That's so awesome they offer a place to stay and food for the hikers!
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