Took the old trail up and down, with my laptop - it's a work day.
Snow starts ~3000'. Dumped by the trees at times, for a couple of hundred feet, it felt like walking in the snow, until it was high and cold enough.
Once out in the open, it's a winter wonderland. Very pretty. Despite of the clouds, could see out in the Olympics.
I put on the pikes just below the trail junction.
The mailbox on the summit was not buried in snow. It was quite cold and windy on the summit, so didn't linger.
Snapped a few photos avoiding other hikers, 5 mins top.
I was wearing just a long sleep shirt going up. Now had to put on a puffy + a shell.
This rocky section is steep at times. Care is needed on the way down.
I brought ice axe, but never used it. Better to carry two hiking poles.
In the trees, the old trail isn't that steep. Not sure why the new trail is constructed.
I'm rather out of shape. Took about 2:45 to from car to summit. Thankfully, no one needed me from work during my hike.
On the way back, filled gas, visited an old friend. Not a bad new year's eve.
At 11:55pm, I went up to the roof. A lot of people. With all the thin clouds, it wasn't cold.
This year, there's more light installation than before.
The fireworks is good, almost 20 minutes.
