After an 18 month hiatus from hiking, this was definitely what I needed.  While rain was to be expected later in the morning, my  hiking buddy and I decided to set our alarms for 3am, to ensure an early start.

The trail was in good conditions overall, a few muddy spots on the way and it looked like someone took a spill at the base of the last ascent to the peak; but we were able to ascend and make it nearly all the way back before the rain started.  Even with the rain, I could not imagine a better welcome back into the outdoors.  Though I must say that I do not understand this new fascination with taking pictures of mushrooms/fungi.

This ascent to Sitton Peak marks my 3rd time reaching the summit and it is just as beautiful as I remembered.  Though I did forget bits and pieces of the hike, it felt like coming home.  Nature is home, and it is my therapy.  Now I just have to get a hold of my surgeon to discuss some minor physical ailments. But I can already tell I've got the hiking bug and I can't wait for this year's peaking adventures.