The weather had predicted overcast but I was hiking above the cloud over, so I was wondering if overcast should now be called undercast? It made for stunning views. Santiago peak itself is not particularly scenic, so I moved over to neighboring Modjeska for lunch. From the saddle there is a very nice trail to Modjeska running more or less parallel with the road which was a nice relief from the fire road (last year I tried the spur trail from the saddle to Santiago but ended up crawling through the shrubbery; this was a very nice trail without bushwhacking). On the last bit of fire road to that lunch spot I did encounter a rather grumpy rattler, which I gave plenty of space. Otherwise: butterflies, birds, rabbits, it was gorgeous. Totaled 10.12 miles.