Lance and I started at 5:20. The first miles were wonderful -- cool temperature with a nice breeze. When we started the climb towards Dollar Lake, it was very humid -- I was constantly wiping sweat out of my eyes. Took a short break at Dollar Lake Saddle and continued the climb up to San Gorgonio. I love this section of the trail -- great views and never too warm. Reached the summit at about 9:15. Spent a lot of time trying to get my @#$%^&* Verizon cell phone to work. I was able finally to text Karin though couldn't call anyone. We watched the clouds come in for about an hour and decided to get off top just in case. Went cross country from the summit to the trail and came out near the Tarn.
On our descent we ran into more people than I have ever seen on South Fork or Vivian. The first group was a scout troup who was heading up to join another scout troup on the summit. As we dropped towards Mineshaft Saddle, we ran into more groups -- anywhere from two to six people. We became concerned about the preparation of some of these folks. They appeared to have no idea how much further they had to climb and some didn't have rain gear or additional clothing.
Thor's hammer cracked as we headed down from Mineshaft saddle to Dry Lake and the heavens opened up. I love hiking in thunder storms in the summer -- especially when one can't see the associated lightening
The rain was very refreshing (big drops) and not heavy enough to require our gortex jackets. Also made the ground softer and easier on my tired feet. The rain stopped before Slushy Meadows and the heat/humidity increased.
We had almost rejoined the South Fork trail when we encountered two rangers on horse back. We chatted with them about the weather and the number of people on the trail. The problem arose when they asked for our permit
I picked up a Forsee permit at the Ranger Station as the South Fork was at capacity. They explained that they were honoring Vivian permits due to the trail closure but I had left my Vivian permit in the car 
They were very nice, cut us a break, and we continued on.
The skies opened up with a vengence about four miles from the car and we donned our gortex jackets. Unfortunately, we were sweating so much that we were as wet inside as outside. Took the jackets back off about a mile from the car. We reached the car at about 2 PM. I was very happy that I hadn't had my car washed as the rain accomplished this beautifully. It rained all the way down the highway junction. We had a terrific dinner at El Mexicano to finish off a splendid day.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
but you're fast and can speak Portuguese, Swedish and heavens knows what other languages. Life just isn't fair 
