Hiking the PCT, over the last couple years, has appealed to me.  The thought of having your whole world on your back while having the freedom of never before was very attractive. 

The trial bobbed and weaved as I made my way past Gillette Lake and started the climb up the ride that held the Heartbreak Ridge Trail.

I soon ran into the trail and found it was closed.  As I wanted to complete the loop I was not sure what to do.  I had plenty of energy left, so I tromped my way up another half of a mile to find the northern approach and took it's path.

It climbed steeply and at times, it was downright scary.  The steep talus slopes were slick with moisture and mud.  The summit was still far above me as I gathered up some courage and made my way further up the back of the mountain.

I gained elevation quickly as I climbed.  I made it to a set of spires as thunder rolled in.  I did not want to temp fate and decided this would be as far as I would go today.

I made some hot tea while eating a granola bar along the cliff's east face and hunkered down to warm myself.  This really was a beautiful place but the clouds would not bless me with a view today.

After tea, I carefully made my way back down the ridge and back to the car.  I felt beaten, but promised myself this would not happen next week.  It was getting colder and I only has so much time to see the marvelous summit before the snows came.

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