I got 3 hours of sleep before this hike and was cursing Denny all the way up. The pretty yellow leaves feel really nice under my boots, but it would be nice if a few were still on the trees. We made it to the firetower and climbed as far as we could. The views were pretty good, but I wouldn't admit it. Then on the way back...Denny yells bear. Of course, I had to run after it (or climb a tree) or both. I know don't chase bears, but it was my first instinct. No one got a picture...but it was the highlight of this hike and it snapped me out of my funct .