Mount Daniel, Cathedral Rock — Wednesday, Sep. 4, 2019

I completed my 3rd trip up Mount Daniel, again going up the Hyas Glacier route and down the east ridge boot path. This time I went to the actual highest point and signed the register. Totally worth the tiny extra umph.

The glacier(s) are extremely treacherous right now with huge crevasses and we didn't bring ropes, only crampons, so my partner and I ended up going up the Hyas Glacier route but completely avoiding the glacier and scrambling up to the left of it. I loved it, she didn't so much. I am a glutton for punishment, I  guess. I tend to take the most difficult route at everything I do in life so to me it was the perfect challenge. Accepted and conquered. 

I'll briefly go over the basic things for the rest of the hike. The road in is pretty good. I have seen Fish Lake Road in much worse shape. Scatter Creek is dry right now so even low clearance vehicles can make it to the trailhead, I am sure. The trail is in great shape, very dry. Flowers are basically gone at the elevations below 6500 ft. There were a few berries but I didn't see too many. Bugs weren't bad except a few that flew into my mouth while I was hiking. They weren't biting or bothersome otherwise though. No bug spray was used. 

It was an epic day and my almost 45-year-old arthritic knees are feeling it today. That's the ONLY negative I have about this trip. Busted knees. 

Be safe out there folks!