* Any suggestions on getting over my fear of the ledges?
Find an indoor climbing wall somewhere and spend some time learning how to do that, which will help you overcome your fear of heights, which is really the key issue. I found the e-ledges a bit daunting the first time I tried them, but still made it across with no problem. Since then, I have done wall climbing (and one outdoor rock climb) over the past 3 years. With the increased confidence and mindset wall climbing gave me, my fear of heights is under control, while at the same time I still respect the circumstances that such a vertical environment presents. With that wall climbing experience "under my belt", now I wouldn't even bat an eye at the e-ledges if I had to do them today. Another suggestion would be to ask someone who has no problem with the e-ledges take you across them. Once you've done them a couple of times, and you realize you can do them, then you will build confidence, which will allow you to move on to the next level (whatever that may be for you).
The distance from the Portal to the summit via the MR is approx. 4.5 miles, but obviously you have the same elevation gain as the MT's 11.2 miles.
Since not all of the MR "trail" is as obvious as the MT, if possible, I would suggest you hook up with someone who has done the MR and do it with them before you try to lead a small group up it, sight unseen. It would be very helpful.
CaT
