One of the most stunning routes I've ever completed. It's been at the top of my list for a while now and I'm glad I got to see it twice from both directions in one day. I started from the Snow Lakes Trailhead to get most of the climbing out of the way in the first half, although the climb back up Asgard Pass in the second half was a grinder. Either way, this is a challenging route that requires constant focus while navigating through some seriously technical terrain. Took a few wrong turns heading out to Stuart Lake Trailhead so had to back track several times. I started at roughly the same time as Chris -- another runner I had met at the trailhead -- who was embarking on this traverse from (what appears to be) the least popular direction. We worked together periodically in the first 8 miles or so (before we separated) to find the route whenever the path forward wasn't clear.
There were fires around Washington and the air quality was not great the day before my planned double traverse. The smoke mostly drifted away the next day though and the weather worked in my favor as the sky was overcast. There were even scattered showers in the morning. Plenty of water opportunities, especially along the alpine lakes area. I bonked after the Asgard descent and fell well behind schedule by the time I arrived at Colchuck (a couple hours behind). I underestimated how difficult this route would be and decided after my bonk that I would (try to) enjoy this adventure instead of rushing through it. The trail was very crowded, and I was patient and cautious passing by hikers.
While my crew, Kendra, was waiting for me at the Stuart Lakes Trailhead with a resupply of calories, she told hikers departing on their trek to look for me and cheer. I passed by a handful of groups that cheered my name on as I approached the turnaround - that lifted my spirits. Kendra eventually decided to hike up and bring me bars, gels, Trail Butter, and Maurten.
I was ballparking 10 hours for the double but I clocked in at 13:33:06.
Fun fact: I completed this traverse again (one way) a couple days later on Sunday to support Kendra for her thru-run/swim traverse. She completed the whole thing while swimming through 5 lakes: Colchuck, Inspiration, Perfection, Upper Snow, and Nada. Surprisingly, I did not see as many hikers as I did on Friday. However, I saw more wildlife which included mountain goats, marmots, quail(?), fish, and a close encounter with a mama bear and her cub. I now understand why this is regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington.