Conditions were ideal for this first summit of the six pack challenge. Arrived at the trail head at 6:45a- plenty of parking spots available. We had purchased our permit at the am/pm ($5). We filled our camelbacks with water, grabbed some snacks, and headed out. The hike was nice, mostly under shade. I hit the wall at about mile 6. I was exhausted. Knowing i only had one mile to go (thx apple watch) to the summit, i continued on, taking breaks often, resting on my hiking sticks. Eventually made it to the summit, legs feeling like jello, found a picnic bench and took a nice nap. My body needed to rest. I ate the sandwich I had packed, drank plenty of water and was ready to head back down. Lies. I was not ready. I stood up but was exhausted. After a couple steps i was throwing up. At that point i didn't think i would be able to make it 7 miles back down. My friends suggested getting a ride back down. (really?) After a couple minutes i felt better, enough to try to make it down. So the journey continued. As we hiked down I regained my strength. My head had cleared and got into a nice rhythm. 7 miles is a really long way, even when going downhill. I'll be better prepared for the second peak.

Time to summit: 3 hrs 54 minutes (6.70 miles)
Start to finish: 7 hrs 4 minutes
Key learnings from this hike:
Nike Flyknits are dope- but not trail rated. I wanted light shoes for the long hike but flyknits do not offer enough support if you're walking on rocks and a slip into the water after crossing the creek you're now walking with wet feet.
Water- you can never have enough water. Water stations were shut off at the top of mountain. Always carry more. Always.
Mind over matter. When you think you've hit a wall- push yourself.

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