Ever wonder how some mountains get their names? Let's try to figure this out.
Putrid: adjective
- in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
- of, relating to, or attended by putrefaction.
- having the odor of decaying flesh.
- thoroughly corrupt, depraved, or evil.
- of very low quality; rotten.
Definition #1: Not really. Much of the forest is just like the classic Mailbox dead zone, but it's not actually rotting.
Definition #2 and #3: Nope, not rotting.
Definition #4: Hmm... evil. Well, not really. It's the creator of the route that deserves that descriptor.
Definition #5: Ooh, so close. It's brutally steep and the section in the woods is definitely of very low quality, but the upper section redeems the whole hike. It's still steep, but the meadows are great and the view up and down the ridge from the summit is superb.
The mountain isn't putrid. Maybe the adjective refers to Pete. Uh, no. Pete is Pete of Pete Schoening. He was a mountaineer in the time of Sir Edmund Hillary and epic first ascents. He saved the lives of five of his team in "The Belay" when he arrested on K2. Definitely not "Putrid" Pete.
So what then? Why the name? Perhaps it's because that's the way you feel if you're not in shape. I've certainly felt that way before and I felt that way this time. It's a great gauge of your fitness.
Go if you want to feel the pain and test yourself, but don't think you'll find anything putrid.
