We drove up from Long Beach in the dark and were rewarded with the silence of sunrise; some campers still asleep in their tents in the parking lot when we arrived. The air was crisp but the climb kept us warm. Nymeria's first encounter with snow! She didn't mind it at all, but didn't seem impressed either. It didn't phase her much, though when she was thirsty throughout the hike she'd start licking it.

We were doing great until, after enjoying some learning, views, and hopeful but altogether fruitless condor watching, we began the descent. The switchbacks were fine, but all we could think about on the way down was that we would, later in the day, have make our way UP this side of the hill tired and likely cranky.

Sawmill was a lovely lunch break. We were, some of the first, if not the first, people there for the day, so some peace and quiet for munching our lunch at the summit and writing in the log was much appreciated. On our way back we tackled our way back up that stupid hill, which is where we started running into other hikers who were on their way to the sawmill summit.

The sun warmed up but just in time we wound up back in the cover of the tree line. Back at the now busy parking lot the world was flooded with daylight and the parking lot was full of other vehicles, loud groups, and plenty of other dogs eager to get out on the trail.

All in all a rewarding hike with great weather, good company, and of course, our little fur hiker.