Distance (RT): 8.38mi/13.5km
Gain: 4040ft/1231m
Moving Time: 6hr
Total Time: 8hr35min
Gear (used): Semi-rigid mountaineering boots, poles, microspikes, gaiters
Gear (unused): ice axe, snow shoes
Gear (should have brought): N/A
Clear day on to Vesper Peak. Thank you to gobozov from the previous TR that had cleared the fallen tree. One other car parked as arrived at the trailhead. Water crossings required moderate care but otherwise benign. Trail continued uneventful. Did not put on microspikes until just below the start of the final climb up to Headlee's Pass.
A pair of hikers were camped at the pass, but they had not attempted to go beyond. Thus required to break trail from that point onward. Snow was ~4" deep and only worsened to ~6" by time of reaching the summit - and at no point required snow shoes.
Gusts picked up fairly heavily at the summit, but fortunately the clear skies remained as did the brilliant views. Downclimb and return trip was uneventful.
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