This hike was one of the toughest hikes I've done, aside from Gorgornio for last year's six pack challenge, because I WAS SICK!!! I still trudged on because I didn't want to fall behind with my group though! Aside from being sick it was a great hike. The weather was strange though. It went from very cold in the morning to going through pockets of cold and warm for the rest of the day, starting with the first steep set of switchbacks up to the saddle. Had to change my layers when we got to the top to keep myself warm. Great views with great friends. I couldn't think of a better way to ring in the new year! 1 down, 7 more to go! (we are planning on doing all 8 before the end of April)