Skies were dark over the Big Lue Mountains and rain was coming down as I drove up highway 78. I had my doubts, but I decided to go for it. I ended up having a great hike and a beautiful "Mid-May Monsoon" experience. The temperature was perfect, the air fresh and moist with a light breeze, skies filled with ragged clouds, and only a light rain for 10 minutes or so. I didn't see anyone else, nor did I expect to in the Big Lues.
This is a fine hike for anyone who enjoys solitude in open, rolling, ponderosa pine country.