I summitted for the 6th time on the 27 also. I would concur with everything you said. Taking the old trail up and back saved us an additional water crossing. It was easy to find after looking at pictures posted on this forum. It appears that more people are using it so it is easy to follow. Still amazed at the number of abandoned wag bags along the trail. Trial Camp was not very crowded. I filled a 1 gallon zip lock bag of small pieces of trash left behind at trail camp and along the trail. I think if everyone stopped and picked up the small stuff along the way it would help. Wag bags are a different story. Also, why is it that every year when I go to filter water at Trail Camp I am met by a pile of noodles in the water from someone who decided to wash their cooking gear in the water? People need to also realize that if you are going to summit you need get off the top early! I saw a lot of people at Trail Crest at 2:00 p.m. that were trying to summit. I ran into a day hiker at Outpost Camp at 10:00 a.m. who was going to summit.......REALLY? The best was the hiker who came into Trail Camp at 7:00 p.m. crying because they had a migraine for 4 hours because they ran out of water and still had to hike down to their camp at Outpost. Mountain-Forecast.com provided me the best and most detailed weather information. Finally, a big THANK YOU! to everyone who contributes to this forum. Your information is up to date, detailed and very helpful. I wish everyone a safe and memorable hike. LIFE IS GOOD!
