Perhaps the first indication Bryant isn't for everyone is the sign that warns hikers the second creek crossing isn't passable in high water. But hey, the water's low so it's an easy step across.

The nice, maintained trail continues to climb gradually through the valley with nice waterfalls spilling down the cliffs. After passing the creepy naked guy, the way climbs steeply before entering a very pleasant little swale.

Wait. Naked guy? Yeah, full frontal standing on the edge of the waterfall. Did I mention he was creepy?

A final little climb on the nice trail and we arrive at Hemlock Pass. Hikers without a confused sense of direction follow the trail down to Melakwa Lake. It's a nice little lake.

But this is where TNAB goes wrong. Instead of following the trail to the lake we go off-trail. We scramble up the nasty talus, bushwhack through the blueberries and devil's club, and stumble up the steep, loose scratch of a trail to the summit block. Finally, we pick a way over the blocks and rocks to the summit.

When I tried to convince friends to come along they universally said, "Bryant? NO THANK YOU." That must be why it was just me and Treen on the summit.

I AM TNAB!

(I actually wasn't completely alone. Three others were in the basin below the summit and we hiked out together. We even found a nice trail that led us right back to Hemlock Pass. It was nice.)