This hike was one of our last practice runs before we attempt to hike Mt Whitney on June 8th (or go as far as we can on the MT).  Together with my daughter Paulina, her boyfriend Alex, and my hiking buddy Jamie we were all eager to get to the top.  We left the slight overcast beyond and walked above gray clouds with warm rays of the sun starting our trip at 7 am. Hiking up to the Ski Hut was spectacular. No snow up to that point. A few patches beyond that and even more towards the very top. As always, there was a “party ” on the top. A few people, although not as many as I've seen 3 other times I've summited the peak. And no wind at all. Perfect weather on the Memorial Day Weekend. To shake things up we decided to take the Register Ridge trail down hoping that the shortcut will allow us to shave some time… Oh boy! We were so wrong! Although shorter, this trail is no trail in some parts, especially towards the end. Super steep with loose small rocks. We were not sure if we should “ski” on those rocks, walk, or slide down on our butts. Super challenging on the way down. We have seen maybe 4 people going up. After that descent the Register Ridge is on my “never ever” will I take that trail again. I appreciated the challenge but my daughter and her boyfriend probably not so much 🙂 We did, however, manage to get down safely, although positively tired and much later than planned. The whole Baldy adventure took us 8 hours with 20 20-minute stop at the Ski Hut and at least half an hour on the top. Glorious day. Special because of the company.