Starting at 8:00 with snow getting deeper the higher up you went, took about 10 hours for this snow hiking newbie. I was not prepared shoe wise, but had poles, can do attitude, a warm mountain meal stowed in pack and therm-a-rest for 2 mandatory breaks. It was fun to find out how my body reacts to colder hiking, how I push through my comfort/un-comfortable zones, and experience majesty. The snow was melting as the sun came out, so quite a few plops on the head. The first 3 miles were the roughest for elevation gain, and getting used to the difficulty in snow hiking. At mile 3 I had to rest and get more food in. Then found the lookout road. Thinking it would be right around the corner led to a couple switchbacks. The energy surge after that break was great, until it was 2-3 ft. snow at some points. After 4 miles, the search for the tower was on. When the slightest glimpse came it was sweet relief. A 5 minute break at the top to wolf something down, then right back down, to get out before sun-down. But ending before 6, and no snow in the first/last mile made the way back to the car seem quick. Lessons learned: I need snow books, I need crampons, and I have much more to learn about snow. Taking the wet socks off, and feeling the heater was a welcome gift to a successful day.