Ran into Hengst Joe and Doreen the Skyline Queen Saturday morning in the boarding area. Also met NickSJM and a new RMRU member
Hengst Joe gave me a speed hiking lesson on the way to Wellman's divide -- I was actually happy to go downhill after that. We turned onto the Strawberry Cienega and enjoyed the gorgeous views. The wildflowers have really come out since my last visit. There also weren't as many bugs 
I absolutely love the section through the forest from Strawberry junction. I filled a quart Platypus from a fast moving stream before Fuller Ridge and dipped my bandana and hat before heading up the "desert section." We met my friend Steve Fossett
before heading up the "ladder" to Little Round Valley. Took a short fuel break in LRV, then girded our loins for the Never Ending Switchbacks up to the summit junction. We said "hi" to our awesome Ranger Sue Neary -- she was going down the switchbacks.
Once on the summit, a hiker named Mark from South Carolina introduced himself -- he's been following this forum. We took our boots off to give our feet a break before the crush of people became overwhelming. Met George and his group on the descent. I can't believe how long it seems to take to get from Wellman's divide back to the tram. We arrived just in time to head down. I had my usual wonderful dinner at Las Casuelas before heading home.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
