cactus to clouds

[bikersage]

is there a small group of middle aged people that hike to the peak?

[AlanK]

What qualifies as "middle aged"?

[mattytreks]

What qualifies as "middle aged"?

20-60

[KathyW]

There are tons of middle aged people who hike to the peak. Hiking attracts a lot of middle age people. What else is there to do once the children have grown and have lives of their own?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_age

If the US Census says middle age is 35 to 50, I'll have moved into old age by the end of this year. 50 would be about the end of the middle because not too many people live past 100. So far, the only thing I don't like about getting old is knowing I have more history than future.

[Cy Kaicener]

I define middle age as 35-75
You only get old when you stop hiking or become inactive. Its all in the head and the feet.
Anyone under 70 can do Cactus to Clouds as long as you train for it.

Ulrich Inderbinen climbed the Matterhorn at age 90
http://www.atkinsopht.com/mtn/indrbnen.htm

[AlanK]

I like Cy's definition the best, although I tend to think Kathy is right. On the other hand, I hiked many, many miles with my son while he was young and trying to keep it up now that he is around a lot less often.

Getting back to the topic, the mountain is lousy with middle aged people and I will be one of them for quite a while as long as I can stay fit and use Cy's definition.

[bikersage]

i'm sorry.....my point was not related to "middle age" as a burden.....my point was how safe is it to do the hike alone? ....and assuming it to not be a good idea, hiking with 20 yr olds would also not be fruitful.....i'm thinking there may be a regular group that hikes from the museum to the top.......

[AlanK]

i'm sorry.....my point was not related to "middle age" as a burden.....my point was how safe is it to do the hike alone? ....and assuming it to not be a good idea, hiking with 20 yr olds would also not be fruitful.....i'm thinking there may be a regular group that hikes from the museum to the top.......

I'm sorry for taking off on the middle aged thing. I was just hoping someone would tell me that I am (still) in that category. Thank you Cy!

Whether or not to hike alone is a choice that depends on many things. I think that going with a group would be better, especially for a first timer. The first time I did this hike I was 50 and went with my 12 year old son, so I have nothing against preying on the young. We were both very well-prepared and had a great time. What you really need is a person , or group, that is a reasonable match speed-wise, regardless of age. I think it's likely that you can find such a match via this board.

[Cy Kaicener]

I would not recommend hiking it alone for a first timer.
Here is a link for a group leaving this Saturday for C2C based in Orange County.
This group has many hikes based in many areas
http://www.meetup.com/3OCNew/events/17196040

[madmxe]

I am at least middle age,58. I can do the Humber Park to the peak and back hike somewhat easily. How do you work up to the C to C hike? Would love to try it this fall.