Shortly after leaving the Monte Cristo road at the Sauk River Bridge the trail could use a little brushing-- lots of ferns crowding in, but no noxious flora, so only an annoyance if wet. Stream crossings are generally safe, but highest big stream has snow bridge which most hikers were (but ought not to have been) using. Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake can be reached without needing an ice axe, but the basin is pretty much snowed it; lake is frozen. Beautiful spot under present conditions. A good breeze kept insect pests at bay, but don't count on that! Snow was in good condition for step-kicking--firm with soft surface--but that may have been owing to warm, sunny weather. Best to take an ice axe if contemplating exploring terrain beyond Foggy Lake.