Hiked March 12, 2007 by Tim and Valerie
Conditions: It was 30 degrees with no wind when we left the car to start this hike. The first two miles to the ravine were easy walking. The snow was frozen granular, but we were just in Stabilicers and all was well. Once we got up to "Agony Ridge", the Stabilicers were probably not enough. Should have switched over to the crampons. We did that at the Greenleaf hut after an "agonizing" climb. We also stopped to eat at the hut, which is about 3 miles in. Next, we started up the last 1.1 mile to the summit. Weather was still gorgeous, but got colder and windier as we progressed up the mountain. At the top, we quickly switched into our down coats (Val almost lost hers into the wind), enjoyed the views for a few minutes, decided that if we couldn't stand up straight, we really shouldn't try to cross the ridge, and went back down the way we came.
By the time we returned to the hut, we were peeling off layers and needing another snack. Pine Grosbeaks were very friendly. The trip down was tough for the first mile, then flattened out and we made better time than we would have in the summer. Fighter jets went overhead at about 4pm.