This was a challenging hike.  The trail is rough, rugged, and rocky.  There were a lot of washouts and felled trees from the recent storm that were yet to be cleared, and the wildfire damage from a few years ago is still evident.  Weather was ideal, not reaching 80 until after I was done in the afternoon.  I started on the trailhead off of Hwy 29 around 8:30am and didn't encounter another human until I was almost at the summit.  I thought I was going to be the only hiker on the mountain all day (the only human I encountered was driving the service road, apparently attending to the telecommunications equipment at the top), but I did see two other hikers on my way back down.  I saw countless lizards, birds, two chipmunks, and one snake (although it could've been a skink).  It was tough getting up there, and I wondered if I would make it down without some blisters or other lingering issues.  Had rubbery legs for the last mile or so, but took it slow and made it back to my vehicle around 4pm.  Took lots of pictures, and was blessed with a sighting of the snow-covered top of Mt. Shasta, over 200 miles of visibility.  Incredible day, but completely wore me out.   Could have used a little more water– went through 2.5 liters and had a bit of a dry mouth last 3/4 mile or so.  Lucky that I got an early start and that the weather was agreeable– not a lot of help on the trail, and no services.  Hikers be cautious.