Great Trip report Lynn!
Very good point about having the right pack. It's amazing how the right equipment can make things so much more enjoyable.
I'm a strong believer in no alarm clocks in the wilderness...I vowed that I would sleep in as late as I my body would let me at consultation lake. Of course, I didn't sleep at all that night so my plans and an alarm clock turned out to be a moot point.
Interestingly, I really enjoy the switchbacks too. They look daunting, but I found that I got into a rhythm and the time went by quickly.
