The trail is in great condition up high, but had disappeared almost entirely from the drift in a couple sections. Fern and I ran into each other at about 7500', so we did the top together. Left tracks, which was fortunate, because a guy I passed at about 2000' was doing it for the first time.
CarlF: Somehow I missed you two, but Fern said he had passed you. Maybe on one of the myriad trails at around 4000' I passed you without knowing it. Hope you two had fun.
Instead of microspikes I wore Kahtoola Flight boots - neoprene boots with big teeth sticking out the bottom that are between Microspikes and crampons in length - which were absolutely perfect for the conditions. Unlike microspikes, they are boots that slip lightly over your trail shoes. Unlike crampons, they are a little more shallow in the teeth, so they're kind of a middle ground. Found 'em on eBay for $44.00, and they're great. First time I've done Skyline in the snow without freezing my feet off!
Anyway, hope all had fun and best wishes to all on their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day adventures.
z
