We had limited time this morning, so Allison sent me ahead up Gregory/Ranger to tag the summit, then I would backtrack and she would turn when I met her.
There were a few dry patches on the initial sections of the Gregory Canyon Trail, but before long, the trail was continuous snow/ice packed. Even with the studded shoes, I slipped and slid a bit, but it was certainly better to have them than to not and I was impressed with how nicely packed the trail is right now. The sun was shining bright and warm and there was no wind, a perfect morning.
Effort was easy moderate to start, just getting into a groove and enjoying the morning completely. I felt particularly good today and movement seemed to be effortless and natural. I had it in my mind that I wanted to break 40, so I continually upped the effort, going hard, but never really digging too deep either, just cruising and made it to the top in 39:54.
Conditions were pretty good for a fast descent, so I cranked the upper 3/4 of a mile in about 6 minutes and met Allison and Sierra ~750 below the summit somewhere along the NW ridge. She decided that she wanted to go to the top as well, so I hiked up with her and Sierra and we all jogged down together. Bumped into Tony as we neared the trailhead and chatted with him for a while.
Almost went back out for another round this afternoon, it is so nice out and I feel so good, but figured I better get some stuff done at home, it is December afterall. Maybe tomorrow I'll go out for a few laps on Green or Bear.
