When I was 13 three of my older friends hiked this loop it was 1976 I think. I always wanted to do the trip but we were poor and I had no gear.  This year my wife decided she wanted to get into hiking and rekindled my passion. I came up here in early June and was stopped by the snow on the dry lake side just as the switchbacks started. This time no snow on trail at all. Saturday I hiked up to Dollar lake and camped to acclimate real good. Sunday I got up at 5:15am and packed up and hit the trail at dawn as it had been pretty hot the entire time so far. Carrying around 31-32 lbs I trudged my way to the summit! Finally made it after 2 previous failed attempts. I forgot to mention July 4th weekend came up with the Mrs and had to turn around after one night because her health condition the heat do mot work well together. It was a beautiful day in and out of cloud cover and direct sunlight. I took the dry lake side down. I had a permit to camp at dry lake but opted to go all the way to my car and home. Sunday I did 16 miles with a full pack in 12 hours. This was my personal best mileage and time this year. The views from the summit and all over the ridge area are incredible.