Fictional satirical interview. This conversation did not take place.

Rock Ptarmigan: What brings you out before sunrise?

Ice Cube: The parking lot fills up. You get there early, you hear the birds instead of car doors. Plus, the light hits the ridgeline before it hits the trail. I don't want to miss that.

RP: Are you a destination hiker?

Ice Cube: I like a summit, but I don't need one. Give me a loop with good shade, a creek crossing, and somewhere to sit. I can be happy with that for hours.

Mr. Cube pauses here to examine a boot print in the dirt. He points out that the trail is soft after last night's rain, then steps onto a rock to keep from widening the muddy section.

RP: What's always in your pack?

Ice Cube: More water than I think I'll need. A paper map. Something warm. Snacks I actually want to eat. If I'm bringing somebody new, I ask what pace works for them before we start.

RP: Any trail habit you wish people would drop?

Ice Cube: Playing music out loud. If you've come all this way, listen to where you are.

At the overlook, he takes no victory pose. Mr. Cube scans the far slope for movement, waits through a long stretch of silence, and finally smiles when a hawk crosses above the trees.

RP: Worth the early start?

Ice Cube: Every time.