I had the Friday off for work so decided to conquer Mount Sizer. I had done the loop a few times before in previous years but this was my first solo adventure here. I attacked the route clockwise and was able to complete in 5.5 hours. The weather was perfect condition wise. It was not as hot as it is usually here so was able to carry only 3L of water where in the past I blew through 5L. Saw a few hikers during my first 3 miles but didn't see a soul until the end of the hike at the parking lot.  Lots of butterflies, birds in the woods, and a lone coyote on the ridge. Outside of that the hike was tough but fairly uneventful. The “shortcut” was harder than I remember and I was glad to finish the 1.3 miles worth of uphill to the ridge. The last portion of climbing started much earlier (i.e. was much longer) than I remembered. I was glad to get to the Headquarters when I finished. The highlight of the hike was the bench near the HQ was taped off due to baby rattlesnakes using it as a den.