So I set out solo but ran into 3 guys halfway up who made the difference in getting me to the top – hardest hike of my life!! Super cold and windy with a little 5 minute snow flurry sometime around maybe 1:30pm.  I set out at 10:30 at the slowest pace in the world, just wanting to get pics of everything.  The sky was beautiful and dramatic and I went into the hike almost positive I'd have to turn around due to weather.  I hiked off and on with the fun guys, (one guy was in sandals!! ) At one point, I went ahead of them and I had maybe 1 mile and change left when i accidentally went up the toll road instead of the path, (check out the map pic below). Anyway, I thought there was no way at this point that I would have it in me to change course but thanks to the guys, we did it as a team!  The fog was so thick, we got to the open lot at the top buy I never did see the actual Cosmic Cafe or the Observatory or even the darn sign to hold, but oh well, because of my mistake, my overall elevation climb ended up at 5,516.  Never thought I'm make it down, thank God for that second wind that lets one prevail!  The light was spectacular on the way down!!!! So happy I stayed the course.