Cloud9, have a great hike. Be self-reliant and make choices that will keep you that way. You are usually on your own up there this time of year, but a little more so now that we have furloughed some very hard working, poorly paid rangers who grace the area. This is about the time of year that you might see them hiking out from Crabtree to shut down the joint.
I think I understand the excitement. For me, planning, pouring over maps, gathering beta and practicing are like pre-Christmas days. I love the anticipation. Just keep summit fever in check, recognizing that the mountain will always be there.
Brent N
