Midnight start from Seattle to beat the heat. AK and I arrived at the TH ~3:30am and were on the trail before 4, headlamps through the oddly quiet forest. The only animals I saw were bats eating bugs in front of my headlamp - close enough to feel the wind from their wings. :)

Early dawn was spent climbing boulders, fun - but the most tedious part imo. Sunup came as we took Monitor Ridge and with the sun came a lot of wind by the time we were at the weather station. Ash in my eyes was a bit of a problem, but mainly bc I left my sunglasses in the car. The final steep scree/ashy section went quickly, and we were on the crater rim.

Up there it was immediately apparent that this was the most unique looking mountain I've ever come across. Heavy steam rose from the crater's center mound, rock falls into the crater were frequent and spectacular, and we heard an odd rumble that we couldn't explain. Lasting for 30 seconds - a minute at a time. Was it the glacier moving? Was it the volcano brewing? No clue! But it was incredible. Highly recommend this climb.