Up early at the trial head. Started out at 7:20AM. One of the gentlest
trails in the park for the first 3 miles. Then many switchbacks up to
the Summerland shelter. It was occupied by a family of seven. We leapfrogged
each other to Panhandle gap. I proceeded to an outlook overlooking the
Indian Bar shelter about three miles from the gap. Rick Drouet and I
had camped there many years ago. I remember seeing a bear on that trip.
Saw a herd of 23 mountain goat that walked out onto a glacier. On the
return trip saw a herd of seven more near Panhandle Gap. The Summerland
meadow was crowded with hikers. Many carrying full packs. There couldn't
possibly be room for all of them at the camp ground. I reached the parking
lot at 2:40. Finishing the hike in the company of two of the daughters
from the family of seven.