Got an simi early start, 6 am. Noticed trash can turned over driving to the parking area, then a big pile of bear poo. Going up the dirt road to park, there are 2 parking areas, I chose the one at the trail head. I drive a suburban and got a little nervous in the last turn. Started up the trail through switchbacks. The first mile was warming up. Had to stop to catch my breath a couple of times. Mainly due to the excitement of being there. Once I woke up my calves, things were good. When I reached the manzanita flats, the color was so brilliant with the sun shining down. There were a few  Nats , then through the manzanita, several bees. Took a rest at Limber Pine Campground. Just above the campground was nice spring for water. The next section of the hike was very long switchbacks, which lessened the incline but seemed to go forever. About a half mile before the summit, a few yards above the trail is Washington Monument, take a look. The last 150 yards, to me, were the steepest. Coming down, ran into a swarm of bees. Luckily, they were high into the trees. At the end, finished around 91/2 hours, moving time. Tip..the little grocery store across the st., off hwy 38, has porta potties.