Started the hike off pretty good, we were a little worried the road was going to be closed because of mudslides on the road the month prior. Luckily the road to the trailhead was not closed and easily accessible. Started the hike pretty around 8am to do good time. The trail had some debris along the way from the rainy season in winter causing mudslides. The weather through out the hike was cool. While hiking your body warms and don't really know how cold it is. It was an amazing time having my girlfriend join the hike and also signing up to do the challenge, this hike was perfect to show a little glimpse on the rest of the challenge. As we approach the peak we stroll through the observatory and up to the picnic tables where we get to eat and rest for a while. It was colder this day than any other day at the peak, we needed to have our jackets put on throughout the whole hike. This hike is always challenging with all those switchbacks, but a perfect hike to start the challenge.