McClellan was planned, but 5am-dissipating rain/drizzle was still going strong at 6am. Avoiding the Human Cheese Grater seemed a better plan, so I redirected.
With the overgrown sections of the trail, a jacket was helpful, and the drizzle paused only briefly during the first hour. Above the balcony was completely enfogged, and with the final summit climb encroached by trees, I was wet and cold on the summit.
Some pictures were possible on descent, but the sun had only broken through in a few small areas. McClellan was only partially visible, with the summit in the clouds. It even rained a bit while cleaning up.
Hint: Try to force a few breaks when starting, before the balcony junction, or at least drop below 3mph. Otherwise you tend to burn out and it's hard to downshift for the ascent to the peak.
Zero people... which is not too surprising on a Friday.
8.65mi 1200m
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