I realized this morning that Mt. Hamilton had gotten snow yesterday and found out it got quite a bit. I quickly had lunch, figuring I still had enough time climb to the top and make it back down before sunset. I got to the start right when I wanted. But a mile into the ride I realized I forgot my light back at the car. It was just for backup anyway right? We would find out later. It was sunny and cloudy. Lick Observatory kept alternating between being hidden by the clouds and visible so I wasn’t sure what I’d get when I got up there. At around 3150’, I reached the snow line. But less than 100’ later, I entered the clouds. Luckily I climbed up out of them and it was sunny at the peak. I made a little snowman at the closed gate to the observatory. I don’t know why, but as soon as I started descending, I felt way colder and my hands froze. Luckily I brought a jacket which helped. My hands remained frozen until the first climb though. Remember how I forgot my light? Well by the second climb it was getting dark and close to sunset. I managed to make it down before sunset but didn’t quite get back to the car until just after. The climb took way longer than I was expecting and I also worked harder than I wanted to. My legs definitely felt tight and tired once it got cold. The snow was nice and the sunset was gorgeous so it was all worth it… even if I’m shivering right now. 🥶🙃