As to the iPod, well, the upper switchbacks were like the Volga Boatmen's song
(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WD0WVL-HjE), only more agonizingly slowly. Once I got to the top and Trail Crest there was a stunning moment in visual grandeur I will always remember- stopped dead in my tracks and blown away is putting it too mildly. I find certain music meditative which is what mountains normally do for me. I probably won't turn it on until after the first 40 or 50 switchbacks (lol) and then turn it off as I find the rest spot and the marmots from last time.
