I hiked up Vesper Peak, which has about a 4000' gain and a nice scramble near the end. I left the trailhead at about 5:45, which meant that I was alone at the peak from about 9:00 to 10:00. On the way down I saw quite a few people, so I'm glad I started when I did. I should really make it a habit to start hikes early, because the light is also generally nice in the morning.
Vesper Peak
Early morning light
This should be a picture of Dickerson. What's that about wildfires in Washington?
Looking back at Headlee Pass
Morning in the Cascades
Glacier Peak, some other assorted mountains, and smoke. Lots of smoke
Looking down at Copper Lake
Big Four
Looking generally east. If there was a town in that valley, and no smoke, you could convince me this was Switzerland.
David smiling, circa 2015
I like that tree
Vesper Lake
Looking back up at Vesper Peak from near Headlee Pass