What can I say about El Dorado?  This is probably one out of the five or six climbs I have been wanting to do this year, more than any.  I gave this mountain all I had, and a little more, and it didn't disappoint me for a second. 

I rode with David to the trailhead.  This was a good chance to climb with him as we are going to be climbing Mt. Whitney and spending a couple of weeks together in Yosemite later this month.  We got to the Marblemount Ranger Station where we met our climb leaders, Bill and Gary.  I hadn't talked much with Bill before this, and he seemed knowledgeable and experienced.  Gary is a real salty character, and that is appreciated on climbs like this.

The last two guys, Dwayne and John, were basic climbing students like us.  Dwayne is an all-around good guy with a great, positive attitude.  John is a real eccentric, very patient and approachable.

**STILL WORKING ON TRIP REPORT, COME BACK LATER FOR FINISHED REPORT**