I got an early start this morning, getting on the trail about 5:45.  A must with this hike to ensure parking.  I met two hikers on the way up and was passed by three trail runners…the trail was wonderfully empty and quiet.  With the early start I had shade the entire way to the summit.  This was my third time to do this hike.  The other two hikes were done in January.  I was pleased with the falls and the water crossings.  The hike is beautiful at this time of the year with all of the wild flowers.  However, during the first 6 miles to the summit I hiked in a swarm of bugs, some gnats, some mosquitos. I had a great upper body workout swatting away at them.  I also noted a lot of poison oak on the trail.  I was able to avoid it on the way up because I had the trail to myself.  On the back half of the loop a lot of people were now coming up the trail.  I stepped back off of the trail several times to give right of way to the hikers.  I'm sure I stepped into the poison.  I had poison oak last year which lasted six weeks and never want to experience that again.  So as soon as I got home, I washed off my hiking pole, shoes, front seat of the Adventure Mobile, backpack and myself in Dawn dish liquid, lemon scented!  Let's hope this works.  That being said, the hike is beautiful, green with lots of lovely wildflowers.  The few annoyances did not distract from that.