[nitpacker]

My daughter and I hit the trail at 1pm on Friday. There were 3 other cars at the trailhead. This is my first time on the trail since the fire. The impact of the fire was very prominent on the upper two thirds. In some ways, I enjoyed the chance to see nature at work post such a blaze. This is a long difficult trail and it took 3.5 hours of steady hiking to reach the old lookout. There was snow on about the last quarter mile and the sun had warmed it enough to give us some difficulty with frequent breakthroughs and back sliding. The balance of the trail was in great shape. The last water other than snow was a about one mile from the summit. Coming down on this trail is no easier than going up as the grade is often too steep to allow easy footing, it took us 2.5 hours to make it down.. I am writing this report on Sunday and my legs are still sore. For those who have not done this one, it is a great conditioner and the views from the top are long and spectacular. Happy Trails!!