We left late, so the first day became a walk to the hut. My friends had driven me there, and from that point I carried on alone. I stayed the night and set out early the next morning while it was still cold.
This was my first time moving solo in winter terrain like that. I expected the snow to be frozen. It was not. Without snowshoes, progress took much more effort than I had planned for.
I got close to the summit, but the conditions were changing. Thick mist reduced the visibility, the snow was soft, and temperatures were expected to rise sharply. With the possibility of avalanche danger on my mind, I decided to turn around.
I was disappointed. I had wanted to reach the top, and a part of me kept thinking about how close I had come. But I did not like what the morning was becoming, and continuing would not have made that feeling go away.
My equipment taught me a few things too. I had adapted a regular backpack to carry what I needed, and this outing showed me where my setup and my expectations needed more thought.
I am grateful to my friends for the long drive and the support. This entry records an attempt, not a summit. I came home with questions to work on and a mountain I still wanted to return to.