- If you had stood atop the highest peak on Hong Kong Island, on January 26, 1841, you could have seen a British naval squadron assembled in the harbor below. With a spyglass, you might have made out the commodore stepping ashore to toast Queen Victoria and declare the island her territory. There were no signs of dissent from the Chinese military or the local villagers, who numbered fewer than 7,500. It was a mild kickoff to what would add up to a century and a half of British rule.
- Mount Stickney (summitpost.org)
Located between the Sultan and Skykomish River Valleys, Mount Stickney is a prominent and noticeable peak while driving highway 2 eastbound. Getting to the top requires a bit of route finding, bringing the right gear and some extra push for the first 4 miles. You’ll be either walking, biking, skiing or snowshoeing to get yourself to the good stuff. Because of the low elevation start and it’s western location in the Cascades, Mount Stickney makes for a good winter ascent. According to the Cascade Alpine Guide, Stickney was first named Prospect Mountain but later dedicated to a prospector who spent years on nearby claims. It is said he went to Alaska in 1898 and was later killed by wolves.