Mariah volunteered for a double blood donation just three days before the hike – that's certainly going to inhibit the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood at 12,000 feet elevation!

We got an early start with the intent of taking our time climbing to the summit. Even with a casual pace we were making good time until we reached the saddle and got above the tree line. From there on our pace slowed noticeably. Made the summit around 10:45am and came back down a bit and found a windbreak on the west side of the ridge to sit and have an early lunch.

It was a long hike out, and we were all pretty well spent by the time we got back to the trailhead.