After a stop at REI to get some water bottles (getthe Pete's Pancake Mix, for $1.50 you get a bottleAND some pancake mix!!) we moseyed on down to theClimber's Bivouac at MSH. There was 2-3 miles ofsnow slogging until you get to the Bivy Camp. WeThen climbed in hazy conditions, and hot sun,to the summit. The snow was crusty but cramponsnot totally necessary in the morning. By afternoonit was getting a bit sloppy at the lower elevations.There were no eruptions from the volcano,but I'll keep silent about any other types oferuptions... Well, have fun y'all!

Quota season not a problem on a Wednesday, only saw 10 hikers/climbers/scramblers on the ""trail"". The first two miles is gradual through forest, most of the 4,500 elevation gain is in the last 3 miles. A scramble over blocks of rock, then out in the open on the pumice south slope to the crater rim, 8,265 ft elevation. Quit the view 2,000 feet down into the crater of the always steaming lava dome. Surrounding sides of the crater, Mt Rainer, Adams and Hood can be seen on a clear day. BE PREPARED, can be cool and windy even when sunny at Climber's Base Camp. Went through 3 quarts of water. 4 hours up, 3 hours down. What a work out, my legs are still wobbly.......