Start back at 1145 passing many nice folks looking shell shocked as we looked a short while before. Back to the Portal at 1800 and my wife waiting. It was the hardest hike I have ever done but well worth it. I still can't believe I did it. It all paid off, just a few blisters and a little soreness in the legs.
Life is good.
Did the day hike on the 4th. My training partner sidelined by illness a day earlier unexpectedly. I arrived at the trail head at 0300 ready to go. The trail shows no mercy at the beginning so it is all business. It was actually very lovely with the shadows from the full moon and the sound of rushing water.