Thanks, John
Two years ago when I planned to summit but chose not to try because of an August snow storm you encouraged me to try again. I considered giving up but that route was always on my mind like a white whale.
I figured this would be my best chance at success coming off a five night backpacking trip to Whitney. However I again cancelled my plan to hike about a month ago because of a chance of snow. I took a week off work (starting last Tuesday) and actually secured three different day solo permits during my time off. I took the first opportunity last Wednesday.
The only person I encountered going up was another solo hiker coming down the chute. He asked "Are you planning on going up the Mountaineers Route?" I answered "I thought this IS the Mountaineers Route." He was referring to the Final 400 which he warned was "sketchy" because of the snow. So I took the Easy Walk-Off. So I missed out on the Final 400 and I can't see myself ever going up that chute again.
