August 7,8: Sunday, REI; Monday, Rattlesnake record

Rattlesnake Ledge Aug 8, 2016: overcast, cool, drizzly

The Record: It was likely the coolness of the day that made it possible to set a record on Rattlesnake Ledge. It wasn't my fastest speed, but it matched my recently broken record of 64 minutes, on July 28. That time I was packing 17 pounds; this time, 34 pounds.
Distance: 7.05 km (includes distance from sign at gatepost past trailhead to top.
Elevation gain: 1160 feet
Pace: I started at a rapid pace effortlessly, and maintained it for at least a mile; my pulse wasn't fast and I wasn't sweating for a least a mile. Later I started to sweat and regretted forgetting my sweat band; I remembered Mary Jane's observation that wrist wraps are good for a nose that starts to drip with sweat.

Heart Beat: It reached a high of 148 beats a minute. After one break I found recovering speed to be difficult, although that became easier after a second break and several hands full of trail mix. I reached a pace of 136 bpm, but my final ascent to the top was at a slow pace.

Hydration: Drank no water on way up; at the top drank V-8 and water. Mist became light sprinkles and I opened up my folding jacket, which I wore on the way down. With trekking poles I was fairly sure footed on the way down and made excellent time. Overall hiking time was 1:52.

Three-dimensional view of the hike, depicting low angle from the Southwest (?) (Map My Hike)

Satellite view of the path; the gray area in the center is the cliff face below the ledge. (Map My Hike)

The hike to REI

Jaunt to REI to purchase solar-powered lamps

August 7, afternoon.
Destination: REI to purchase lamps for Vietnam Trip
Elevation gain: 200+ feet
Distance: 3.95 km
Weight: 27 pounds including backpack and weight vest

Accumulated distance for 2016: 372.531 km
Accumulated elevation gain: 56,172 feet