Headed up the gorge to continue field testing some new equipment(3-ply supplex pullover--works great) and some old equipment(my body--not working so well). Decided on the 'original' trail to maximize the effort. Trail in good shape for this time of year with only a few small snowpatches at the top and some geologic movement debris clumps here and there. Was dismayed at the number of rogue trails that are developing around the summit. These save people a good 40-50 feet of walking and maybe 15 feet of elevation gain. The top was socked in and there were high 40+mph winds--good conditions for equipment testing and awhamf's. This enabled me some solitude time to bask in the Cloud and hope for sun. It was a long wait. The woods on the north side had a spectacular display of rhime ice art coating trees and vegetation. Please stay on the trail. out.