We started the hike at about 7:30 am, my group and I were all very excited to get on our way. It started of full of energy with lots of talk and laughter. After about 5 miles of switchbacks, the initial enthusiasm had faded. The fittest of us kept pushing forward thus setting the pace for the rest of us. We encouraged one another to push forward and joked about how we had 5 more to go. As we neared the summit the chatter between us had all but disappeared. The only thing on our mind was to document the summit and eat. After summiting and eating we started down for the last 7 miles of the hike. The hike was hard on our knees but we persevered. The hike was much fun and we were able to enjoy one another's company to the fullest. Trails such as these are best enjoyed with friends where you can truly be yourself.

– on another note the fitter you are before the hike, the less miserable you will be during the hike 😉