Very mild beginning to February and a beautiful start to the short month. This hike though relatively short itself was not short of adventure and big ups and downs.  Though there are cables throughout the hike, this is not considered a via ferrata, but did not disappoint in access to utilizing cables or small cracks to pull yourself up and over.  I typically hike with my women’s small group as we make our way through the winter 6 peak challenge, but due to a scheduling conflict next weekend, I went today with my rock climbing son and occasional hiking husband.  Though we saw a handful or two of eager hikers, the trail was not heavily trafficked this morning.

There is almost no approach as once you start, you are quickly ascending over boulders, loose pebbles and small rock and at times scree aka cat liter.  A nice grippy approach shoe works best as you make your way up towards the saddle.  Once there there is a pretty decent cable decline then continued ups and downs, twists and turns.  There was a really nice breeze towards the top as we heard distant trains and three combat fighter plans running a morning routine.  I only had one quick encounter with a lonely bee but not much animal life seen except the occasional hawk or kestrel swooping in the air.

Overall a great workout!