Sep 30,2023-the hike starts at 5:30 am, and the view of the moon and silhouette of the mountain is breathtaking.  During the trek, the group stops to take pictures of everything mountainside, clouds, small waterfalls, and rocks. We encountered the aerial tramway and Saddle Cross junction and met a few hikers. The groups continued our hike, and finally, realizing we were getting to the top, we became overjoyed.

However, feet from the top, something tragic met us and other hikers. A lifeless body, possibly a runner, lay on the floor while other hikers tried their best to resuscitate him with CPR. The incident was reported, but due to the heavy overcast, search and rescue were delayed.

A moment of reflection for all of us that life is too short and not to take it for granted. After the whole ordeal, we arrived at the summit.  On the way back from Mother Nature decided to give us a challenge, and we hiked in the rain and eventually snow.