Ah! I'm so happy I finally got to do this route. It was an extra long drive with the North end of West Side road being closed - At least an added hour. Stoked the conditions between -200 something below sea level and 11k aligned. 60's in the morning, clear and 48 at the top of Telescope and a high of 96 down in Badwater. Not too bad!
I started just after 5.20 am on Saturday morning from Shorty's well. I carried all my water (and food/supplies) for the day after the ranger told me about the toxic algae that had been growing in the springs this summer from the extra high temps and had killed a few burros. She couldn't confirm one way or another if Hanaupah Spring had been affected but I didn't want to chance that. Got really dehydrated and suffered the final 5 miles as I headed down into the hottest temps of the day. My mouth/throat were so dry it was making me gag.
Getting to go from the harsh desert environment, up into treeline and then above it again was so cool! There were bristlecones on the trail leading up towards Telescope summit. Always a treat to see! I signed the register, looked down on where I came from (WOW), took some photos and made my way down.
Got stabbed in the foot by a cactus. Not fun. I guess the Hoka cush wasn't quite thick enough.