Read the previous trip reports and knew there might be exposure and bugs.

Pre froze 3- 1l bottles of water. Met a fellow hiker at trailhead and decided to bring up 4.5l (total) Used up 2l going up and 3L coming down!

This was a leisurely hike for me…met a fellow hiker with a full backpack training and we decided to take it slow. We talked about trips we have done…as well as stopping to talk to 4wd jeeps we met on the road.

Halfway up, gnats started to be annoying. Both of us regularly carry headnets so we put them on and end of problem! Summit at noon and spend 45 min reading the history and enjoying the views.

Coming backdown, we were fully exposed in the heat of the day.  Still pleasant when we got the occasional wind gust. Cell signal about 75% of the time as my friend was ‘on call' for his job. He has to stop and remotely unlock a door for an employee!

Always nice to get out and meet a fellow hiker… It's not always about being fast or summiting quickly. Enjoy the outdoors and meet people folks! I learned alot (hiking and trip tricks and tips….talk to us older hikers!)