Confused? Concerned? Competitive?... (I'll get to this)
Parking lot is open again. Really not impressed, so they added some gravel and put up a fence. Portables are not level. At least there's a clear path in front of the east cars. Road parking not safe on weekdays, but seemed okay this Saturday morning.
Started early, perhaps four cars in the lot. Maybe three other headlampers seen on the trail, and a total of ten/ish before reaching the summit. If you passed me and thought I was slow it's because...
Doubled. Maybe five people saw what I was doing but no one asked or talked other than "hellos". To avoid bailing and the crowds, I doubled the lower sections as I went. Crazy, but no I wasn't lost or confused. :P Still had the summit to myself both times, took pika pictures and changed insoles. Should have eaten more.
Crowds started 8am as soon as I started my final descent. Parking was full, some road options (okay on weekends but less safe on weekdays). Hand glider lot to the north may (?) permit overflow parking but not sure.
Trail conditions are fine. Small kids will need assistance in a few spots that are getting narrow (some rock, some dirt). A few of the early rock steps are tall. A few spots with mud, but they were dry today. Windy on top, expect 10F colder than the trailhead.
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