The Stevenson Memorial Trail, still damp from abundant rainfall, was marked by brilliant shades of green–even tree trunks wore a furry green coat. Gnarly roots and slick rocks occasionally protruded from below, ready to trip those lost in thought.

Beyond the monument commemorating Robert Louis Stevenson's (of “Treasure Island” fame) 1880 honeymoon stay, the shaded path becomes a fire road leading directly to the peak. At every turn, casualties from the 2017 fire stood sentinel next to new growth.

With usual caprice, Helena refused to abide by the weather forecast and instead enshrouded herself in a dense fog. At the summit, one could only imagine what glorious views the Russian explorers beheld in 1841, when they decided to name the mountain after their princess.