This is Mike. My friend Huy sent me the link. I've read these posts before, but never joined. Thanks to Shawn for prodding me into joining.
I got back safely. I do this route quite frequently. It keeps me in shape for doing treks in the Sierras. I have rarely had anyone pass me on this route, and nobody in the snow. Shawn is a locomotive. This guy is amazing. I want to hook up with him for another trip in the snow so that I can tie my sled onto him and he can pull me up

The trip report he wrote is really good. The only thing he neglected to say was that due to it being rather warm (close to 50F up at Little Round Valley), the way back from 9,000' down was like walking on a slurpee.
Due to having Shawn pass me, I have started my local training on Cowles/Pyle's to include a 25 pound pack and ankle weights.