For this solo unsupported run, I camped the night before at Pepperdine Campground. After a quite night and an intensely red sunrise, and with a hip sack full of snacks and a down jacket, I departed an hour behind schedule. I was hoping to begin at 7am, but it was chilly. Thanks to an uber cozy sleep setup, I didn't start till 8am. Once on trail, the summit views began immediately. Mt Shasta was shining gloriously in the morning light. Mt Lassen was visible almost the entire way as well. The trail was in excellent shape and easy to navigate. There was a quarter mile section with downed trees but there were already horse trails going around them so the path was still clear. Indeed, there was water every few miles with a final spring flowing just before reaching the southern end, at Patterson Campground. Recently, I switched from using a Sawyer mini squeeze to a Katadyn BeFree 0.6 liter. I think I'm staying hydrated better now since I can chug again. On this north to south crossing, I saw no other people, or at the campgrounds. After so many wild adventures of late, it was such a treat to complete a clean and clear, ridgetop trail. After a 15 minute break at Patterson, I re-ran this route in order to return to my vehicle which I'd left at Pepperdine. So, you know what that means? More summit views!