Sunday was my fifth day hike summit via the main trail (and my first summit in the last 8 years). It was nice to go back and see the views again.
After hearing about the monsoonal weather the previous week, our group leader decided to start our hike at 1 am, to minimize our risk to any potential afternoon thunderstorms. Some members of our group hiked up to Lone Pine Lake on Friday afternoon and ran into several day hikers who turned back at Trail Camp after hearing reports of bad weather at the top. On Saturday some of us hiked up to Cottonwood Pass (Horseshoe Meadows) and ran into cool winds and drizzle around the pass. Later we heard stories of morning hail on the main trail. Fortunately, Sunday started off with a virtually clear sky at sunrise. Some white clouds developed over the summit later that morning, but they were not dark rain clouds. The early people reported cold temperatures at the top and no view (they were essentially fogged in). When I arrived the views to the east were not blocked, but the cloud came back before I left. It was a different summit experience this time with the clouds and shadows in different views. It was also interesting to see some people with tools doing some refurbishing of the summit hut doors.
