What a great day on the trail. Met up with a few misfits at the Vincent Gap Trailhead around 0600. The trailhead and trail, despite the forecast heat, were already very busy. Very happy to represent Hike Beyond the Hills and lead this group up and down the mountain. We started out as 7 (myself, Karen K., Brenda, Karen B., Ofelia, Colleen, and Flo. After about 5 minutes we were joined by Sabrina (she arrived at the trailhead just after 0600 and chased us down). Then about a mile or so in my friend Eric Coleman (Coleman Outdoors) caught up and spent the rest of the morning with us. So our group of Misfits grew to 9.

The trail was in great shape. Lots of bugs, so bug spray was a must. No snow and no blow downs to climb over. Temps on the ascent were perfect. Likely between 60 and 65 with the shade. We made it to the summit before 0900. And were surprised at the summit by fellow hikers Jen Tea, Linda, and Lone Hiker, who started early (I think 0430 or 0500) just to surprise us at the summit. Oh and I can't leave out our 3H Friend Alfred, who I saw at the trailhead, then on the trail and at the summit. Always great to see him out and about.

We spent a bit of time at the summit, refueling, taking pictures and meeting other hikers and trail runners from the running group Pacers. What a great group!
Our descent was pretty quick, well except for stopping and talking with just about everyone else heading up.;P The temperatures didn't get nearly as high as I had expected. It was pretty warm but very doable and tolerable. We were down well before 1200 and after treating ourselves to some cool watermelon, we headed into Wrightwood to have lunch before heading our separate ways.