7/27, Saturday. Rain forecast 50% before 2pm. So we met late, at 8:30am at Green Lake P&R. We didn't leave until 20 minutes later after realizing that the 5th guy went to the wrong P&R. Very cloudy when we arrived at Sunrise. Filled water, used restroom. Eric, the organizer, inquired the ranger about the snow condition to Burroughs. We were told to bring traction device and ice axe, which is totally unnecessary. Boots are good enough. Only tiny snow patches, easy to walk on.
Frozen Lake still had a little bit of snow on. Quite pretty. Instead of waiting at the crowded junction, Elyse and I headed to Fremont Lookout. I ran back to the junction when I saw Eric and Justin below, so they didn't have to wait. Elyse continued to the lookout. Eric was getting over some illness, so he was very slow.
Justin and I waited at 2nd Burrough for the rest. Great view here. Clouds moved in and out, made Rainier a bit mystic. There's this big round seating dome, quite interesting. Elyse arrived before Eric.
After another long rest so Eric had time to recuperate, we headed forward (down to the saddle) and continued to the 3rd Burrough. All the while, the scenery is excellent. However, open terrain. I had to hike quite a bit off trail for a bio break. There was some snow here (over 7000'). But the slope is gentle, totally easy. 
At 3rd Burrough (7828'), so close to Rainier, the view is grand. We wandered around the rocky, but flat top. Cannot continue much further, precipitous drops, very jagged. Look down for Wonderland Trail going over the river created by Winthrop Glacier, now dark and dusty. By the time Eric arrived, Rainier was obscured by the clouds. Some yellow and deep blue (littleflower penstemon.
After coming back to 2nd Burrough, we took to Shadow Lake. Eventually the cloud cleared. More flowers on this stretch. Quite a bit of heather (both white and pink). Can see the green lake that hugs Glacier Basin trail. No snow on this trail. 
Shadow Lake has an backcountry camping area with an outhouse. Low enough to be very green. Nice flowers. More people.We left the parking lot at 7pm. Still quite a few cars left. The sky was clear now. Justin dropped off everyone home. The rest of us have no cars.
Didn't see any bugs. No rain. Cool and pleasant weather. Easy pace. A perfect day.
