Summary: beautiful and challenging as usual. Total time 9 hours including several breaks and extended time at the summit.
Weather: with not a cloud in the sky and little wind, it was surprisingly warm for late September; considerably warmer than my previous ascents at the same time of year. My normal base layer includes long sleeves for sun protection, and I was sweltering. I carried 4 liters of water and it was just barely enough (I would have drunk more if I'd had it).
Equipment: Poles were very useful, but be prepared to stow them during boulder scrambling when they'll get in the way. I strongly recommend gloves for the boulder field as well, because the rocks can be super-abrasive.
Here's a hazard that had never crossed my mind: halfway through the boulder field, the outer sole delaminated from one of my hiking partner's boots, drastically reducing traction and protection against sharp rocks. She had to turn around early and make her way down very slowly and gingerly favoring one foot (generously insisting I continue to the summit without her).
Route: HotterOtter's report from August 25 showed a handy photo of different possible paths through the section shown in my photo 2—the question being whether it's better to stay close to the marked route which follows the top of the ridge, or a sandier path lower on the slope. I'm now convinced the lower route is easier, and I think it's also responsible in terms of avoiding damage to the delicate plants in the area (though I'm no expert).
Summit: Just getting to the top of Monitor Ridge is great, but I also found the side trip to the summit worth the energy. It involves some fairly steep and rough, but not really risky, up-and-down along the rim. I like it for getting a better sense of the scale and ruggedness of the crater.
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