Hot Springs Mountain turned Cold Rain Mountain

This was Day 6, Peak 6, flying out to Alaska that night. Almost no matter what, I had no choice in the matter but to give it my all and go for this hike. The campground was dark when I arrived and I didn’t see a soul in my vicinity. It should have been relaxing but it was terrifying-it was completely dark because of the cloud cover-no stars no moon no nothing. I parked under a tree and the 40mph winds overnight kept me up with the rocking of the van, and the branches scraping the sides. I woke up and made some coffee, and looked around at how truly magical and simple the campground was-I also noticed the weather was starting to improve. What a farce. I began the hike in a light tolerable mist, but after a couple miles the rain started to pour down. I had minimal long distance visibility, wishing my trip landed on a week with better weather! But the trail was nice and wide and well maintained, so it felt ok. The top was a very surreal experience. I nimbled through the bushes and trees at the top looking for the real peak and then came across a ladder and what appeared to be dog leashes anchored into giant boulders so you can finally make the last ascent. I attempted it once and got scared…and came down. For a minute I decided that was going to have to do-I had gotten a picture of one of the peak markers, and it was blowing wind and cold and rainy and I was all alone. But as I sat there, reflecting upon how far I’ve come…I started to notice some places where I could maybe put my feet…”hmm…maybe I’ll try again”. I worked up the courage and did it. I was losing my mind a little at the top, worried I was going to be blown off, but I managed…I wish I could have seen the view though!!