This was my first time up here since my back injury & the longest hike I've done since then (though far from the hardest). Also my first time up South Loop since the fire. (South Loop is my least favorite trail up that way, even before the fire.) It was absolutely heartbreaking to see all those burned bristlecones. Otherwise, had a great day! I felt pretty strong. Wind was really bad the last half mile up the peak & on summit. I met a really nice guy on the way up & the rest of his funny group on top & we saw the cutest little mouse in the rock shelter. The group was doing shots of whiskey on the summit. Hiked atop the ridge, off the trail for a bit & stopped at South Charleston Peak on way back down. On the way down crossed paths with a woman & her friendly, enthusiastic three-legged dog.