Brutal hike, a heads-down trudge up up up. One of those hikes where I wish for a medal ceremony when I arrive at the top. Bummer that it was mostly cloudy all morning, yet thankful that the sun wasn't bearing down. The sky opened up more on our way down. This picture was at the meadow at about 3.5 miles, on our way down. The best shot all day.

No bugs, a smattering of wildflowers, nibbled on some wild strawberries. Toilet at the campsites at the top. Sunscreen required. No water so bring lots.