Backup option: The Sunset trailhead. Of course, with no maps and only a vague idea where I was going to go it was a bit adventurous to try that. Not so adventurous as to warrant a sign that read, "Adventure Trail." Nonetheless, there was the sign. Covered in moss it almost looked like it really was going to be adventurous, but in fact it wasn't. A nice trail, but not an adventure. Especially not when it started dropping in elevation and turned from a nice trail through the woods into the High School "trail" that was more like a road.

I found the right turn and started up the Section Line trail. I'd heard horror stories about the Section Line, but it wasn't so bad. Besides, I was a manly hiker. At least until I was about half way. Then it got serious and decided to let me know that it was done screwing around.

On Mailbox you suffer for the first few thousand feet, but are rewarded with the glory of the top 1,000 feet with views and an alpine experience. No such luck with the Section Line. Just when you think you're about done you join the Cable Line and then you're on the relatively lame summit of Tiger 3. Wee.

And it wasn't like we were alone, either. We were about 12. Another group, also kicking off their after-work hiking season, was reported at 55. And there were two other groups both larger than us. Tiger was full of us. Poor Tiger. Poor us.

We didn't linger on Tiger 3 and made quick work of Tigers 2 and 1, then back to Tiger 2 before we started down. We followed the same route down I did a month ago with Scott and Rich, but joined the Cable Line instead of winding up at the other end of the High Point exit.

Eric had also started at Sunset so we shadowed Scott and Josie to their car and conned a ride back to Sunset before winding up at the Issaquah Brew Pub for dinner.

The season is well kicked off with a 7.3 mile, 3,600 foot opening night.