Sunrise at Rainier, again

Parking lot, buildings and background at Sunrise, Mount Rainier Aug 8, 2019

I was surprised at my low energy levels today when I was hiking toward Frozen Lake today. Joan Tito also was tired and turned back to wait for me and John Anderson to return later.

Joan. In the background, Dege Peak, where we three hiked last year. (Click link)

We hiked to the lake, then took a different path back and ended up unintentionally separating.  What became clear is that I'm out of shape for 7,000-foot elevations. Later, when we stopped at Mud Mountain Dam, which is several thousand feet lower, our energy levels were fine.

The bank above the route back to Sunrise

The photo below was taken on the return hike. A squirrel ran across the trail then climbed up upon a rock, chewigh vigorously on what appears to be a crust of bread it found along the trail.

Hiking statistics for the day:
Distance: 5 miles*
Conditions: Clear, sunny
Load: 15 pounds
Elevation gain: 500 feet to 6,500 feet +

Statistics, year to date:
Distance: 213 miles 
Elevation Gain: 64,428 feet
Next Goal: 70,000 feet, my Fifth Rainier. 5,572 feet to go.

* This involved both the hike to Frozen lake and the return via a different route, plus additional hiking at Mud Mountain Dam.