Two final notes (and advice) from this trip:
#1: While I failed to reach my goal this trip, I take satisfaction in the fact that I got out there and made an attempt at it. I am quite determined to reach that elevation pin on the high point of the crags someday. I will be back again!
Don't give up. :)
#2: I tried to poke my eye out with a broken off dead tree branch on the way up.
Don't ask. Let's just say it's a reminder to not only watch the ground when off-trail hiking, but the eye-level stuff, too! Dangers are lurking everywhere in the mountains. Like I always tell my kids on their adventures...
Be safe and have fun. :)