I was starting early today at 5 am, not just because I love hiking when it is nice and cool out. This hike would be a haul, taking at least 9 hours to complete. I was unsure how long I would actually be out there. I just wanted to make it there and back before dark. Upon arrival, the parking area was not full at all. There was nobody there, getting ready or leaving, just silence, at 4:50 am. I took about 15 minutes in my car, checking and double checking I had everything, before exiting my car. I had morning brain, and went back again for my trekking pole. I thought I was missing my headlamp, but soon found it. So now I had two. Oh well, two is better than one I thought, knowing two times back to the car was enough. It has been unbearably hot and humid this past month in Southern California. The heat this whole past month of August has felt inescapable, except for early morning, and at dusk. I was feeling good about this early start, and hoped to make good time, to beat the heat. Even with the forecast set at 72 degrees, it can still feel much warmer in places like this.
