This is becoming a weekly habit. 8 mile loop from the Meridian TH. No hiking partner today, so I decided to push the tempo and set a personal best. Ran into a bit of a delay as I came across a 5 foot rattler on my way up to the saddle. I got close enough to get his rattle started, then backed off a couple of steps. He stared me down for about a minute, waiting to strike. Then, he slithered off to the side of the trail to let me pass. That was very nice of him. All in all, about a 90 second delay. I hustled up to make up some time. No other surprises along the way. Finished the loop in 1 hour 51 minutes. 18 minutes shaved off of last week's effort.

Prickly pear fruit is ripe, red and ready.