Some qualifiers:
I have come to a realization. That realization is I am a hiker who likes to climb on occasions. This can be shown in my verticle feet climbed vs miles hiked. It also shows up in my climbing ability or lack there of. Ever see a fish flop around on a dock? Now imagine that same fish trying to flap its way up a crack on top rope. Very sad indeed.
My wife and I got our road alpine start of 9:00 am. We farmed out our kiddos for the day so we could have some hassle free husband wife time.
So we eventually arrive at the Gianelli trailhead about 10:30 or so. The parking lot was packed. this lead to some fears that Genesis would have ropes everywhere. It being a perfect saturday with a warm sun and a cool breeze. A great day to take someone who hasn't really climbed out of doors yet(my wife). This fear was quickly put down because there was no one. Not a soul to be seen or heard. Which leads me to the conclusion that no one really ever climbs on the sph. Oh sure there is a site out there dedicated to the area but everytime I go I have never ever seen another party. Not up on the pass, not on HCD not anywhere. Even just passing through going to the East Side not a soul on the rock. Table mountain doesn't count. That place is always crowded 3 of the 4 seasons of the year. I've seen seven parties at the Grotto and said "well, that was a nice hike.....off to the farside we go..."
So like I said we had a nice hike. Tons of flowers everywhere. Just such a nice day.
I ended up doing laps on primo and my wife tried some face moves but mostly we just sat and watched the clouds form over Emigrant wilderness and took in the scenery.
I also showed my wife how to rap and she really dug it. She was nervous at first because its all up to her. She sky dived in college which I will never ever do. not ever. I told "look babe you jumped out of an airplane, this is nothing." so down she went.
(sorry no pics of this. she would kill me anyway. she deleted the pics she didn't like of herself on the ride home.)
we took our dog Jack. He's a Corgie. he loved chasing lizards and marking everything in site. He had a rough time on some of the approach because of his short legs. My wife and I got a kick out of it. Such bad dog owners but it was really funny watching him scramble and run to catch up. Those little legs just work and work.....

Hope you've enjoyed it

Josh