Sister Sally, Fearless Dan and I left the TH at 5:30 AM. Dan posesses speedy alien DNA and yet has kindly and responsibly led large group hikes, thus the nickname "Fearless"
The Pink Tape Police went into action immediately as we started up the ridge after crossing Vivian creek
After attaining the ridge, we looked both behind us and ahead of us for pink tape. It became a fun contest -- who could find the most? Dan and Sally noted that it was like an Easter Egg hunt, without the reward of finding the golden egg 
The bozos had even put tape on top of the needles of fir branches 
Due to our early start, we were mostly in shade until we reached west Dobbs. Made our way up to the ridge trail and then summit. Any breeze felt like paradise. Stayed on the summit for about hour. As we approached High Creek on the descent, I became aware of the biting flies. A little bugger managed to bite my left palm as I held my pole and one even snuck into my shorts and bit near my tail bone
It was a relief to reach the cooler, forested area before the final descent, though the biting flies, flying yellow bugs and gnats were out in force. Dropping down the nose bleed final mile, I kept having to wipe sweat out of my eyes every minute. When we reached the TH, we said quick goodbyes and jumped inside to get away from the bugs.
Enjoyed a great meal at the Oaks with Sally before heading home and relaxing in a cold bath.
On the positive side, I was able to hike without the wrist brace the entire day.
I don't even want to think about how hot and buggy it will be in the mountains in the next few days.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
I used "police" for aliterative purposes.