The only negative to this hike is that I made a wrong turn and extended the hike to the point that I was late picking Jodi up from work. In fact she walked home. Now it's just about a mile walk BUT #1) she wears heels to work and a very big #2) it was our 27th anniversary and I was late and she had to walk.

I was so tired and sore that as usual Jodi understood because she is so ridiculously patient with me (usually) and she knows how I am when I go out, there's no telling where or when I will turn up!

The hike was phenomenal. A lot of places were more rock scrambling/climbing than hiking. The trail is a bit hard to follow in spots so I highly recommend unless you are quite familiar with this area do not attempt this hike without GPS. And read the signs, I glanced at a sign and as I later found out, when I looked at my photos, I should have looked closer. This was where I made the wrong turn.

The leaves in so many areas were just lovely. Mostly yellow right now. But what was weird, this being one of the few hikes I've done here and the highest in my life, was just how totally different the west side of the hills were from the east side.

I understand the effects of adiabatic cooling and how the leeward side of a hill usually gets more moisture. But if you've ever wanted to truly visualize this effect, these hills are great places to do it.

Even at almost 8500' the hike on the western slope was very dry, desert hiking. When I topped out and started a sudden steep descent down the back side the vegetation and substrate changed drastically. It was almost like hiking in the east in the loamy hardwood soils.

I felt terrible about leaving Jodi stranded and I was very tired and sore, but heck yes I'll do this hike again. I'll just give myself more time, and replenish my moleskin for blisters, and plan a little better. I want to see the trail that I missed.

Anybody want to go with me??