"it likely was the unseasonable rain that brewed on the day her group of four secured a rare permit to ascend the enormous, smooth granite dome, the park's iconic feature. They were among a group of about 20 hikers who were braving the trip to the summit despite the wet conditions, slippery granite and distant lightning and thunder"
I can't help but wonder if the new permit requirements had a part in their decision to keep going in these conditions- they only had one day/attempt to do this.
