A few minutes slower than last time (~1 month ago).
Made to the waterfall at 12:45pm, summit at 2:20pm.
The waterfall is very thin already. No snow all the way.
Phlox on the summit, about 5-6 bear grass on the wooded ridge.
A lot less people above the waterfall today.
I was overtaken by 2 trail runners (2 different parties), and they disappeared in minutes while I was panting and sweating.
Near the summit, met 3 hikers coming down (2 different parties).
Met an Indian guy named Malay at the summit. He asked me to take photos.
I ate my belated lunch, lamenting the clouds to the NE. Seems the ridge I was on sits between clouds and sun.
When a third person arrived at the summit, I started down ~2:40pm.
Malay followed me. We chatted on the way.
At the waterfall, he continued on the trail, while I took the old path, and then to the faint connector to Roaring Creek trail, and out to Si parking lot at 4:45pm.
After the waterfall, I didn't meet anyone until I was near the TH.
Missed the bus scheduled at 4:40. The next bus (supposed to be every 30 minutes) didn't arrive until 5:30.
Home early enough to clean up, and eat dinner, before heading out to see the fireworks at South Lake Union (10:40-11pm). A lot of people.
