There are many moments when we're hiking that sound awful, and actually just are awful. Hiking to the summit of Mount Baden-Powell seemed like a challenge to begin with, but not too much more challenging than some of the mountains we've already faced, like Mount Jacinto. However, we didn't really expect the sideways winds with hail-like snow smacking us across the face.

The climb, the cold, and the clouds were the part of the ascent that was awful. And yet, I still was smiling pretty much the whole time. Raptor even has a picture of me with a goofy smile near the very top.

It's hard to explain why I was still happy despite the hardship. I don't think I have a good answer for that (a common theme on this trip). The excitement and adventure of the whole thing probably has something to do with it. I suppose I'll take it regardless, because it definitely contributes to my enjoyment of the PCT.