This definitely was a hike with several lessons learned – while I started at Manker Flats, I finished at Bear Trail – a last minute change with little prep for the second half. Made the summit in reasonable time with a nice pit stop at the ski lodge – the oatmeal was great. The summit had a brief period of sunshine and then was covered with clouds and wind. Going down was a struggle in the steep Bear Trail and it took me too long to pull my poles off the pack and start using them – probably 4 miles into the downhill. I generally hate downhill – on this trip I abhorred it. Even though it took way too long – I still beat my ride to the restaurant.