This is the hike that almost didn’t happen.  I planned this hike weeks ago, but Mother Nature almost canceled it.  I anxiously watched the weather up until the day of my hike.  Conditions seemed ok so I went for it…

Driving to the trailhead was very foggy and combined with the dark and my poor headlights it was challenging.

I arrived at the trailhead and began my hike around 6am.  My first thought when I saw the trail: “Ugh!”  – instant incline from the beginning.

The weather was ok, a bit on the cloudy side but I figured it would clear up once the sun came out.  As I began the what seemed like endless switchbacks and constant inclines, I became cautiously optimistic about the weather…then I reached the top.

Although the top would make for awesome views I’m sure, Mother Nature didn’t want me to enjoy them. As I approached the summit, the wind kicked up (although not too bad in my opinion but bad enough), the fog thickened, and it began to drizzle.  I made it to the top and had my traditional PB&J before heading back down.  In the short amount of time I spent there my fingers grew numb and I was shivering – I sign that it was time to head back down!

On the way down, I noticed what appeared to be hail or snow briefly but nothing worth noting too much really.  It definitely warmed up again after I crossed the ridge (although still in the 60s I’d say).  I finished the hike around 11am.

Overall this hike was very satisfying and a decent workout that’s for sure!