What an absolutely amazing day. This time last year, my highest peak and first mountain ever hiked was Bear Mountain in CT (2,323 ft) so I was pretty hyped to hike this one 364 days later. We started at the Ammonoosuc Ravine trailhead shortly after the sun came up, and made great time to the Lakes of the Clouds hut. The views on the way up were great, and I couldn't help but stop and look around every chance I could. Once up at the hut, I met a NOBO AT thru hiker, trail name Wild, who taught me some interesting facts about the hut. Really fun to meet a thru hiker. Heading up to the summit from I could not believe my surroundings. Being above treeline, and fortunately on a totally clear day, it was breathtaking. Spent some time at the summit, couldn't help but have a little giggle when a people who drove up kept asking if I walked up and being shocked. Went down the Jewell trail, and was sad to leave. Looking forward to hiking this mountain again sometime. I regret not summiting Monroe while I was up there, but my partner was not up for it- next time!