Moderate to heavy rainfall in the east valley last night. This morning....hot and muggy on the trail. I was pouring sweat by the time I reached the pass from Meridian TH. Saw a tarantula crossing the trail on the way up. Reached the south end of the trail only to be covered in swarms of gnats. They stuck to my sweaty hairy arms, were in my face, and I certainly inhaled several dozen (extra protein?). Couldn't wait to be finished with this hike. Shaved 3 more minutes off last week's time and I feel good.