http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php RSS Feed for Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney Portal Store Message Board - UBB.threads(tm) http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50999#Post50999 Posted by MooseTracks:
Darlene and all! CONGRATULATIONS!! Of [i]course[/i] I remember running into you all a few months ago (5-2-08 to be exact!): [img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2462601718_290c9c44ee.jpg[/img] I am so proud of all of you for pursuing your dream, and it sounds like you hit the jackpot: you LOVED every minute of it! The summit is just the cherry on top. I'm glad if I was able to offer some encouragement and maybe a tip or two, but it was each of you that put it all together for yourselves. Own two feet and all, you know... This is just another example of how heading up is more than just a hike. Congratulations again!! -Laura :cool:]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:05:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50998#Post50998 Posted by team tiggr:
hey, i did see you, I remember the pink flamingo. nice touch!]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:35:32 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50995#Post50995 Posted by Blooty:
Wow. Amazing rescue stories. Too bad about that one dead dude, though. Just goes to show you can never be too careful out there.]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:05:03 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50993#Post50993 Posted by kkeating:
I don't know if it's the "best place to camp," but, when I did this route, I stayed at Iceberg Lake rather than at UBSL. The next day I went over the pass and down to Guitar Lake. I had planned to camp there, but I arrived so early that I thought I'd push on and perhaps camp at the sites just below where the JMT meets the MMWT. But I got there earlier than I expected, too, so I hiked over Trail Crest and all the way out, making my trip a day shorter than I had planned. Just as well. A strong snow storm hit the mountain, blanketing everything all the way down to the Portal. (This was in late September.) I read later that day hikers had stumbled down to Trail Camp, begging to be let into tents, because they didn't have proper clothing and because the trail was obliterated. As for Arctic Lakes, I don't remember seeing appropriate camp sites there--at least not in the upper regions--but I do recall a fine one just over the crest of the pass. Had I known about it, I would have stayed there instead of at Iceberg.]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:43:19 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50991#Post50991 Posted by kkeating:
I summited Langley yesterday, going up (Old) Army Pass. The snow is entirely gone from the trail up to the pass, except for one short stretch where a bypass trail is nearly as good as the regular trail. There also are two areas of rockfall over the trail up to the pass, but these too have convenient bypasses. ]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:45:17 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50988#Post50988 Posted by catpappy:
For my first trip up to Whitney, I went in via New Army Pass, up Miter Basin, over Crabtree Pass and up the Grand Sand Hill. And back out the same way. I am starting a movement for a name change from Dreaded Sand Hill to Grand Sand Hill. This fine geologic feature deserves better. I loved this scree slope. The views from up there are well, grand. Descending should not be a problem. From Discovery Pinnacle just head south-southwest towards the outlet of Upper Crabtree Lake. You'll want to strap on the gaiters here. At first the slope is fairly gradual and you can take large loping strides. Around 13200 the slope steepens just a little bit. At the worst, if you were to stumble here the result would be a slow slide in the scree for a few yards. As you descend, keep angling for the lake outlet. You'll go through some boulder fields as you get to lake level. There are nice flat slabs at the lake outlet for resting or camping. You will have to traverse around the north shore through large boulders to get to the base of Crabtree Pass. A fair bit of scrambling will get you to the top of Crabtree Pass. One hour maybe. As you're ascending, if you bear slightly to right you will come to an open slope relatively free of rock. This is hard packed scree. Steep, but easy to get up, and will take you to the top of the pass. You can see this route form the Grand Sand Slope. It looks like a big skid mark. Take a photo of it on the way down and use it as a reference. My only suggestion is, if you are tired or its late when you get to the lake, camp there on the slabs at the outlet. You may also find a couple of spots for tents at the other end of the lake at the base of Crabtree Pass. Point is, do not try to ascend Crabtree Pass in the dark. The hike down Miter Basin/Rock Creek drainage is straightforward and beautiful. ]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:35:50 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50986#Post50986 Posted by Scott L:
Congrats on the FA and great trip report. It's amazing how many untapped routes are just sitting out in he open in popular areas. Last month an FA on the Cleaver and now another on Carillion, just up the main "freeway" on the North Fork. Thanks for sharing Kurt.]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:42:10 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50981#Post50981 Posted by SierraAddict:
Is it looking like hurricane/tropical storm Dolly will be drawn into the monsoonal moisture flow and become a problem early next week?]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:17:37 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50980#Post50980 Posted by Kurt Wedberg:
[quote=m.c. reinhardt] [quote=Kurt Wedberg]A little sediment never hurt anybody though.[/quote]Sounds like a quote! :) [/quote] Feel free to use it!]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:49:30 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50976#Post50976 Posted by Steve C:
[i]> If is good sealed ice chest I usually just hide mine out of sight in the trunk.[/i] Whoa! Visions of the destroyed car at the Onion Valley parking lot come to mind (Wish I could find it). It seems like ice chests are a prime source of food odors, and I sure wouldn't gamble the seal on an ice chest against a bear's sense of smell using [b]my[/b] car! ]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:03:01 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50971#Post50971 Posted by FF Ron:
Puma, I plan on doing Baldy also, my sister lives across the street from the visitors center were one of the the trails begins. She also has access to the ski hut so that might be another option. The elevation is what I really want to work on, I am going to Mammoth and staying up high for a couple of days prior to Whitney, I want to worry about AMS. I have and do use hiking poles and they have helped alot. I tend to take my time coming down when it gets really steep. The issue I had with Telescope was that my feet got really beat up, I have never had an issue with blisters but I got a few this time. I were smartwool socks and have Keen boots and this is the first time I had problems. I thought it would be my knees getting sore or altitude but none of those bothered me at all.. Oh well, I'll keep pressing on. thanks for the tips, Ron]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:16:09 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50961#Post50961 Posted by dolface:
Bump :) I now have a dayhike permit for the 26th that I'd be happy to swap for a spot on the 23rd. Thanks!]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:19:50 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50959#Post50959 Posted by Blooty:
Thank you Bobcat, Message sent :)]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:10:26 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50955#Post50955 Posted by 2dtrail:
Last year, on one of my 1 day ascents, we stopped at the consultation lake campsites for lunch. We had to move three times, twice because people didnt want to use the wag bags, and once because the smell of urine was overwhelming. Not only do some people not have the respect to use the wag bags, but they relieve themselves on the campsites. Luckily, i won the game of rock, paper, scissors, so my partner carried down the 2 piles of crap with an unused bag!]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:49:24 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50930#Post50930 Posted by Pat Martin:
Sounds like a great time. I have a a different question to ask about the dreaded sand hill. I was planning on taking 3 teens with me to summit whitney, then reverse your route...coming down the dreaded sand hill then into the miter basin. What are your thoughts on safely descending the hill? Thanks in advance!]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:05:40 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50929#Post50929 Posted by h_lankford:
Laura,your report reminds me of a famous mountaineer who once wrote "they did not fail, they made progress" If interested, I can search my collection of 3000+ quotes and maybe find it. anyway, congratulations. Harvey]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:57:54 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50927#Post50927 Posted by h_lankford:
[quote=Cowboy] There is no doubt in our minds that the children are fully capable of successfully accomplishing the three day hike. [/quote] [b]This was from the original post....What does this mean? Is this optimism or real-life experience? [/b] Have they done a 3 day "regular" hike elsewhere? anywhere? Have they backpacked elsewhere? anywhere? multi-day? Have they performed well at significant altitude? personal note: I turned around with my younger son when he had AMS at age 10 on the Whitney Main Trail. He already had plenty of hiking and backpacking experience, but all at altitudes ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:09:55 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50926#Post50926 Posted by rixco99:
Justhike, Right-on! Thanks for going above and beyond to clean-up! And you cashed in on some good karma already at the Portal Store. I have a friend who picks up trash on the trail whenever he is feeling low energy or off his game. He says that cleaning up helps him get his "mojo". We should all pick up a little trash when we see it. Thanks for the inspiration. ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:22:32 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50921#Post50921 Posted by docdiamond:
Like many other people who have had successful trips after using this forum, I am grateful to the WPS folks, and I am greatful to all of the nice people who answered my many questions on this forum and provided such useful info over the last few months. I got to the Dow Villa in Lone Pine on Sunday, July 13 late in the day. The lady behind the desk said that the Portal road had been washed out during a massive thunderstorm, and that no permits were being issued, at least for a while. After an initial panic, I surmised that everything would be ok -- my permit entry date wasn‘t until Thursday, July 17. By the way, the Dow was very nice, and is in a perfect, central location. The first order of business was acclimation. This was critical since I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, at an altitude of around 400 feet. So, Monday I went up to Horseshoe Meadows and climbed up to Cottonwood Pass. This was a very nice hike, and really helped me get some confidence that I could function at the higher altitude. By the way, the road to Horseshoe Meadows really freaked me out. It is narrow, steep, and has no guardrails. I even had to stop the car once and move boulders off the road so that I could pass. After a second night at the Dow Villa, I picked up my permit and headed up to Whitney Portal Campground for two nights. I continued to hike around the area to get further acclimated. Lone Pine Lake is another great hike that isn’t too hard, but gets you up to almost 10,000 feet. The burgers and pancake at the WP Store are a real plus (i.e., you don't have to cook), and the folks at WP Store are the best. Believe me that the pancake is tasty, but ridiculous. I gave away 2/3 of it to other folks at the store, and still had plenty to eat. This is no joke, they had to put the pancake on two plates it was so big! Site #9 at the WP campground was the best tent site in the whole place. It is huge and not too close to the creek. Now, a note about the bears. The bears go up the creek looking for fish, so don’t park too close to the creek. Also, based on the advice of the campground host, do NOT leave your car windows open. Several people left their windows open over night while I was there. What these nice people found out the hard way is that the bears will crawl in the open window and ransack the vehicle. Word to the wise, just be sure not to leave any food in the vehicle, and don’t leave any other articles in view. But keep the windows shut! My Thursday, July 17 entry date finally rolled around. I started up the main trail about 10:30 after packing up everything and finding a place to park. My pack was 35 pounds -- not too bad compared to what I normally carry. The weather was mostly sunny and warm, at least when I started. By the time I got to Outpost Camp, it started to sprinkle. After climbing past Mirror Lake a few tenths of a mile, I had to put on my rain gear. By the time I got to trail camp, it was cold and rainy. ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:45:17 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50918#Post50918 Posted by Kandy:
Your trail report could have been a page right out of my own diary when I summited for the first time two years ago! Thanks for reviving the wonderful memories. I'm attempting my second summit at the end of August - can't wait!]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:11:42 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50917#Post50917 Posted by oldbob:
Left portal after breakfast with 4 old pals , did not even come close to finishing. Stayed one night at Outpost camp, used backwoods spray with 90% deet. Skeeters were relentless at dusk and into the night, however they stayed about 6 inchs away from everywhere sprayed. Was amazed at the rudeness of the people passing thru camp at 0200 yelling how acurate their GPS was and even had some clown take a picture next to another hikers tent Am allways taken back by how pretty trailside meadows is. What a great place to just sit and listen to the stream. Trail camp was filthy on the north side of the main trail, poop was all over the place and left over bags of packing food was left down the cracks of the large bolders. we ended up packing out a few bags of trash. The summit was just beautifull, Met three young men who had camped in the hut , they said it was very , very, very cold.I still cant belive the people on day hikes who you see dragging them selves up the switchbacks with tennis shoes and one bottle of water! it just does not make sence. One wonders if any of these people have ever walked 22 miles in one day in their lives, let alone up to 14 thousand feet Thumbs up to the crews who mantain the trail ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:06:04 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50912#Post50912 Posted by calicokat:
Thank you all for your comments about the photos, it makes it easy when you are at a place like Whitney to get great shots ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:30:20 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50906#Post50906 Posted by Hoppy:
Hi, Dietcookie: Since there are inexpensive, walk-in campgrounds very near the Horseshoe Meadow and Cottonwood Lakes trailheads, why not use one of them? Sleeping in the dirt next to the car sounds a little dicey: You might get run over by someone parking badly next to you (i.e., too close, and SQUISH). Hoppy]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:33:56 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50903#Post50903 Posted by h_lankford:
[u]"She does take medication for her headaches but it didn't really help to the same extent that it does at sea level where we live."[/u] This suggests that the headache was AMS [u]"Do the other symptoms of AMS have to be present to be actual AMS?"[/u] Officially, yes, but I think most of us medical and high altitude-experienced people would agree that an isolated but "different" headache at altitude is early AMS (or in rare individuals even rapid-onset HACE). [u]"Some wise soul on this board once wrote that at altitude, any symptom should be considered AMS first and all else second."[/u] That's a good rule. Harvey ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:53:20 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50876#Post50876 Posted by Jim F:
I was on the MR yesterday morning Tuesday 7/22. Fom Iceberg Lake (not much ice remaining) to the notch you will be completely off snow if you take the preferred (in my opinion) route: stay to left on rock until half way up. From half way up to the notch its the usual terrible unrelenting scree and a few small patches of snow (unless you can climb on the wall in some places). If you want snow there is still plenty on the bottom half of the chute to the right. I threw a rock on it and did not appear too hard (at 0845). From the notch to the top by the first chute on the left, you may gain passage on rock staying to the left or right. The amount of snow in the middle encountered in the upper half is getting smaller steadily. As often is the case there was some ice in the bottom half. No snow on the Traverse. 7/22 was an unusually clear day with outstanding views from the summit. Hope this helps. Jim ]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:44:16 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50870#Post50870 Posted by jar:
Hello all- Wondering what you think the chances are of getting a ride from Whitney Portal to Lone Pine at 7 in the morning might look like? Is walking with pack an option? Any ideas? There are two of us dropping our car off this Friday and need to catch bus at 8 in Lone Pine. Thanks JR]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:12:54 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50851#Post50851 Posted by duelmen3:
Yes, I have the San Gabriel's just a few minutes from my front door, but nothing beats the Sierra back country. Wish# 2: Thru hike the PCT sooner rather than later! Gary]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:16:42 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50849#Post50849 Posted by kurt23hrs:
"There but for the grace of God Go I" Had the same thought, could have been any one of us. Very sad, very sobering. RIP Kurt]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:57:28 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50842#Post50842 Posted by kfranson:
KSRW (Sierra Wave) is at 92.5 from an antenna in Independence. Regards, Keith]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:30:23 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50798#Post50798 Posted by MooseTracks:
Dave: Congrats on what looks like a really fun day. It was great to run into you and have dinner at the WPS before we started our epic. And even more fun to torture you into guessing what it was! Hope to catch up to ya soon! -L :cool:]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:35:10 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50797#Post50797 Posted by Krishna.:
Thanks Mountain Boy! We will sure bring mints :cool: Kashcraft: This will be our 3rd trip to the top! In 2006 when we peaked inside (July 6th) there was a big mound of frozen ice dripping all over. So would prepare to sleep under rocks and make friends with the resident rat-a-tooie. Thanks for those photos!]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:30:40 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50782#Post50782 Posted by Blooty:
I saw a sign on the door of the beauty shop next to the DOW that offered pet sitting for hikers. Vera's or something like that. I wish I could remember, but if you call the Dow Villa they could probably tell you.]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:59:50 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50774#Post50774 Posted by waterboyev:
Ah, so that was Russ that zipped by me with his boy on the final set of switchbacks? Funny, you'd never know it was someone you "knew" unless one of you mentions a board posting or something. Good job guys! ]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:11:09 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50766#Post50766 Posted by m.c. reinhardt:
Congrats to you and your group! The views must have been amazing after it snowed; crisp and clear. MC :) ]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:09:26 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50751#Post50751 Posted by DUG67:
Krishna, We are scheduled to day hike Foresteer as a tune up on the 27th or the 2nd. We'll shoot for the big hike about 3 weeks later. I'll be most interested in your trip report since you'll be there before us........................................DUG]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:24:13 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50741#Post50741 Posted by paul:
[quote]The crack is plenty wide enough for even the largest of feet and there are great hand holds in all the key places.[/quote] As Tom pointed out the crack is the last obstacle before the top. It would be sad to not go on the hike because of the exposure when one thinks that 99.9 percent of the hike can be accomplished. Those wishing to go should keep in mind that if they decided to stop at the crack, they will only be some 15 feet from the top. Enjoy the hike up to that point!!!! paul ]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:08:52 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50739#Post50739 Posted by wbtravis5152:
The most recent Cirque Peak map, which you will need along with a Mt. Langley, has the Cottonwood Lakes misnumbered and the trailhead in the wrong location. Check the infomation board for both. Is it an easy trail? Yes and no, all the way to about 12,500' it's pretty damn easy, then there are about 30 trails because every has his own way to the class 2 routes up the mountain, which are to the northwest.]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:04:07 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50723#Post50723 Posted by Steve C:
[i]> A friend and I are hoping beyond hope...[/i] The day before you hike, be at any one of the Inyo National Forest ranger stations (Lee Vining, Mammoth, Bishop, Lone Pine) at 11 AM, when the walk-in permits become available. 40% of those permits are available on a walk-in basis, so there should be 4 available at that time. I think your chances should be pretty high. Not sure when "no-show" permits for those overnight permits become available -- maybe the day of your hike (I'd call the permit office and ask about them), but chances are good that you might get those, too. Just pick an alternate trip to use for plan B, but I don't think you will need it. ]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:57:31 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50719#Post50719 Posted by svet:
we're starting on the 18th of august]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:33:58 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50716#Post50716 Posted by Krishna.:
Vox: Thanks! This should help!I tried calling the numbers given by Bishop RS. Mt.Whitney shuttle: 760 876 1915, Sierra Express: 760 937 8297 but no reply (Sunday - everyone sleeping late :). I will try the numbers you gave right now. Appreciate your help! Krishna]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:52:08 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50715#Post50715 Posted by MooseTracks:
Dunbar: Here's a pic of the sites just below the JMT junction. Don't know how often people stay there, really. Looks like someone not only took the time to build the walls but practically sweep the ground smooth! [img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2507411219_ec117f4ebe.jpg[/img] I think the biggest challenge is water, and having to carry quite a bit of it up there. But if you're going to go through all the effort, I would agree with Steve: head for the top! Have a blast! -Laura :cool:]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:43:13 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50707#Post50707 Posted by TJ311:
SOLD]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 06:31:35 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50701#Post50701 Posted by mountainboy11:
[quote=kevin trieu]http://www.snwburd.com/bob/challenge/14ers/summary.html [/quote] wow...just looked at this link for the first time. very informative, thanks. Russell, Whitney, Muir in one day?? That was uhhhh....ambitious.]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:22:19 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50698#Post50698 Posted by applecopter:
I am returning to Orange County from Whitney Portal on the morning of 7-26-08 at the latest - if that helps.]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:56:56 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50697#Post50697 Posted by applecopter:
I'll be driving from Orange County to Whitney Portal on the morning of 7-22-08. I have a camp site that night. I'll be returning to Orange County on 7-25-08 or at the latest on the morning of 7-26-08. I have room for 3 passengers and gear. ]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:22:32 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50684#Post50684 Posted by josh:
at first it seems sweet but then and so on this was from a dayhike just to lower boy scout lake ]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:42:45 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50682#Post50682 Posted by SoCalGirl:
Mom and I both have verizon... we'll try sending a text message or something from the summit (I have this horrible habit of cell yelling and hate it when others do that .... I always tell my kids that people don't go places to listen to their mouths...well I know that -no- one is climbing Whitney to listen to my mouth)... ]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:22:22 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50680#Post50680 Posted by rafael:
I recently went with my wife to the museum in Independence. I was checking out the Norman Clyde exhibit and noticed a pistol. He carried one frequently on his trips. A note in the display said that the very pistol was given to him by none other than Jules Eichorn. I wonder what they would both say about all this? There's my 2 cents. Rub them together. Carry legally if you desire, or don't. Either way, respect both points of view. Rafael....]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:58:35 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50679#Post50679 Posted by VersatileFred:
You can search for lovelace and get a few hits at [url=http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=1&Number=40470#Post40496]South Fork[/url] and [url=http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=1&Number=42987#Post42998]Other Pictures[/url].]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:57:01 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50674#Post50674 Posted by dick:
Hi PP, Here is one photo, I'm still working to get to the website photos. Dick [img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2680202373_a11d60e06d_m.jpg[/img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/guinnesspls/sets/72157606168578626/ ]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:28:26 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50671#Post50671 Posted by h_lankford:
Steve ,we had excellent gear. Heads and torso were dry in gear. The problem was not gear, but decision-making. [u]At first[/u] the storm did not seem to be so bad, so I elected not to put on my excellent side zip pants, and the other 2 people followed my lead as there was little wind and the legs were staying pretty dry. But the dryish graupel quickly deteriorated into a sleet monster, and we had a decision to make...stop and slip on sandals for two stream crossings and also put on the pants [u]versus[/u] just charge ahead in boots across the streams and keep hiking fast until the storm let up. At that point we would just change socks (three pairs.) The stream crossings became not the only source of cold because the trails became 3-4 inches deep in flowing slush, splashing up on our cold legs ,despite our attempts to stay on solid footing. So with our bodies cold from the knees down, we kept moving for about 2 miles, going as fast as possible to stay warm. In retrospect, the speed kept us alive, but our whole decision-making process was an error. If the storm had lasted any longer, then the risk of hypothermia would have been much worse, with consequences. [u]Also, it was very, very instructional to see that only a [b]partial[/b] amount of body exposure could have so much effect. [/u] it was also instructional to see how quickly we warmed up just getting out of our cold boots and socks even before we got the tents up and the fire going. Harvey ]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:19:42 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50664#Post50664 Posted by Dunbar2003:
I'm trying to schedule a resupply on either August 17th or 18th. Just curious if anyone would want to split the $$$$ sicne it is pricey. ]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:11:04 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50657#Post50657 Posted by Wayne:
Dale emailed me that I mislabeled New York Butte. I questioned the label myself, but wasn't sure. Well, it should be re-labeled Mount Inyo. I went back to the drawing board and found that Mount Inyo at 18 miles away and 11,107 feet in height, effectively blocks Keynot Peak (11,101 feet at 20.6 miles) and New York Butte (10,668 feet at 25 miles). Mount Inyo, Keynot Peak and New York Butte are only about one compass-degree apart as viewed from Mazourka Peak. If anyone else sees a mountain in the wrong place, it may not be due to tectonics, but could possibly be because a label is in the wrong place. Please let me know. Mount Whitney at 29 miles away was a bit hard to locate, because it is lined up behind Tunnabora Peak (27 miles) and Mt. Russell (28 miles). Have fun looking at Dale's panorama. I look forward to his next one. ]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:23:01 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50656#Post50656 Posted by romanandrey:
[quote=wbtravis5152]In my opinion, silnylon seems to be a bit more delicate than other fabrics use for tent floors. [/quote] I'll second that. I tend to think ahead as to what kind of surface I'll be putting my tent on. The worst is loose pointy rock. It may be best to bring something to put under your tent in that case. On the other hand, if you're really careful about not putting weight directly on the tent floor when you get in (always step onto a bivy pad or thermarest) you may find you can get away without a ground cloth or footprint on nearly anything. Andy]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:58:38 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50651#Post50651 Posted by dmatt:
FORECAST FOR THE OWENS VALLEY, MAMMOTH AND MONO COUNTY PROVIDED BY DENNIS MATTINSON EASTERN SIERRA WEATHER FORECASTER KSRW 92.5 / 96.5 FM AND TV-33 FRIDAY, 18-JUL-08, 7:10 AM THE UPPER LOW THAT TRIGGERED THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY YESTERDAY HAS MOVE EASTWARD. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED BY DRIER AIR AS HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS IN. SO, HOT TEMPS AND CLEAR SKIES TODAY AND PART OF SATURDAY THEN A SHORTWAVE TROUGH WILL APPROACH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AN PULL MOISTURE BACK INTO OUR AREA LATE SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY. THIS WILL INCREASE THE WINDS ON SATURDAY AND GIVE US A CHANCE OF T-STORMS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF ISOLATED HEAVY RAIN. TODAY FOR THE OWENS VALLEY: MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE LOW 100S (NEAR 101) AND EVENING LOWS IN THE LOW 60S. SOUTHEAST WIND 5 - 10 MPH. TOMORROW FOR THE OWENS VALLEY: SUNNY SKIES AND CONTINUED HOT. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE LOW 100S (AROUND 103) AND EVENING LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. BREEZY CONDITIONS WITH A SOUTH WIND 15 - 20 MPH GUSTING TO 30. TODAY FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES: MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 80 EVENING LOWS AROUND 54. WEST WIND 5 - 10 MPH. TOMORROW FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES: SUNNY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF T-STORMS. HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 81 AND EVENING LOWS AROUND 48. SOUTHWEST WIND 5 - 15 MPH GUSTING TO 25. TODAY FOR MONO COUNTY: SUNNY. HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 83 - 93 AND EVENING LOWS 44 - 54. WEST WIND 10 MPH. TOMORROW FOR MONO COUNTY: SUNNY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORMS. HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 84 - 94 AND EVENING LOWS 41 - 51. SOUTHWEST WIND 10 - 20 MPH GUSTING TO 30. NOTE: DENNIS' FORECAST ORIGINATES FROM THE FORT INDEPENDENCE EPA METEOROLOGICAL STATION. BECAUSE WEATHER CONDITIONS VARY GREATLY FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION IN THE EASTERN SIERRA, THIS FORECAST IS FOR A SPECIFIC AREA AND TIME FRAME.]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:56:50 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50639#Post50639 Posted by Blackfish:
That story on the crash was very interesting....thanks for the link. It's amazing how much personal belongs were still on the crash site after so many years. I had never heard of the crash site before. I hope the child of the parents killed on the crash can find some closure once he/she visits site.]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:49:09 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50633#Post50633 Posted by Gary:
Next week will be my first attempt at climbing MW and this site has been unbelievably helpful. I cannot believe the time spent on it and appreciate it. A big thanks to everyone involved. VersatileFred, I think it's you, right? ]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:53:41 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50629#Post50629 Posted by Barrett90:
wow its so much greener then when i was there 6 weeks ago, nice pictures]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:34:46 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50624#Post50624 Posted by Gonaver1:
Thanks, I think these are the ones. I appreciate it. -Jeff]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:41:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50608#Post50608 Posted by Bob R:
From the July 2008 issue of the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter: "Mosquitoes have fine-tuned sensors that allow them to detect exhaled carbon dioxide up to 100 feet away. Closer up, they are attracted to hundreds of other chemicals we secrete, as well as heat from our bodies and movement. Everyone produces the same chemicals, but different proportions of them may make a person more, or less, appealing. And different species are attracted to different chemicals. Some compounds actually conceal us from mosquitoes--and people who produce more of them are naturally better shielded. Researchers are trying to identify these masking compounds in hopes of developing a new generation of repellents." and "For ordinary purposes, 10 to 30% DEET is adequate. Another effective repellent is picaridin. You can also spray clothes (not skin) with permethrin, or wear permethrin-treated garments. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is as effective as low concentration DEET, but other botanical preparations provide very limited protection, if any.]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:02:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50597#Post50597 Posted by Stickman:
Can anyone provide any details on the current trail conditions. I am hiking with a group on Monday and would like to pass on to them the latest trail conditions when I hook up with them tomorrow at Onion Valley. Thanks!!]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:14:07 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50595#Post50595 Posted by Blackfish:
thanks for the input Doug Sr...I will seriously consider your advice. May still do it on the way down, just so I can say that I have done it. :crazy: I have in fact run down the last part of the "new" trail (several years ago on my first one day summit)....kind of felt silly, but wanted to get back to camp to get BBQ going, and make it in time to the showers (before they closed,) after the others got down to take over the BBQ. LOL]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:35:21 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50557#Post50557 Posted by macarch:
Thanks for the links to the postings about the hostel. I guess I missed them when they were posted. Looks like a great choice.]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:59:13 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50556#Post50556 Posted by Bob R:
[quote=Rick Kent]Do any of those require class 5 climbing? [/quote] No. Corcoran has a little 4th class; We took a rope but didn't use it.]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:58:41 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50532#Post50532 Posted by davehikes:
Anyone that knows Jack and Betsy - please forward or give them a heads up - I really want to extend my thanks - Dave]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:27:56 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50523#Post50523 Posted by Kashcraft:
Bear Canisters are now required on overnight trips through all of the Cottonwood Lakes area and the Miter Basin...along with lower rock creek....and the Mt Whitney trail.. So if you go through this area you will need a bear canister.....The location of the bear boxes is not as important if you have to carry a bear canister anyway. See this map http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/upload/food_storage_restrictions_RockCreek_20070418.pdf The Miter basin route may be shorter, but that doesn't make it easier. We went that way for the challenge of the cross country section and the beauty of the Miter Basin. There were times I wondered if we should have stayed on the trail around to Guitar Lakes.]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:58:59 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50519#Post50519 Posted by MooseTracks:
Very cute. I think I like the 6+ lb 2-man tent. :/ Funny, I tried to sign up for their newsletter, but was rejected. Must not be a cool enuf moosie... :( Thanks, Mike!]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:06:38 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50509#Post50509 Posted by mountainboy11:
Did you find anyone?? I might be up for it too...I'm doing the same thing for my Dad over Kearsarge in early September while he thru hikes the JMT. his thoughts are...might as well pay a person who enjoys it rather than a mule that poops on it, right?]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:57:26 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50506#Post50506 Posted by bob1957:
My guess is that they're either feasting on burgers at the VVR, or they're heading over the hill, possibly to pick up a stash at Muir Ranch––which almost makes sense. Since they left a drop at Onion, they probably also tried to make another drop. maybe they plan on going out at Dusy and over. As long as they get notice at VVR or MTR, they can easily scrounge up more FREE food. Although those bear cans at the VVR are like an archeological dig . . . ]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:32:18 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50499#Post50499 Posted by Brent N:
Thanks again. I carefully reviewed Steve Peacock's links and noted also that it warns against using Diamox with high doses of aspirin. The take away from that warning is not to try the aspirin regimen and Diamox at the same time. As always, I know more than I started thanks to all of you. Brent]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:17:48 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50498#Post50498 Posted by SoCalGirl:
bump... gotta keep it near the top or no ones gonna see me!!!! :grin:]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:11:18 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50491#Post50491 Posted by Leo:
Yeah, i remember you. Congrats on you and your son getting up to the summit! Yeah, we were hoping that those storms would just be the famous afternoon thunderstorms that dissipate by dusk so we could post up a tent or bivy at the summit. Instead it lasted much longer. So we ran back down the pass. No worries about those photos. Congrats, again to you and your son!]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:47:46 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50477#Post50477 Posted by VersatileFred:
[quote=Bob Estes]I saw many people on the Mt Whitney trail that could have made if they had been better prepared. Many folks did not have adequate water or footwear. Others had no acclimatization. I wish that they had read the advice on this blog before hand and increased there chances of success.[/quote] Are you saying that you met people coming back down who did not summit? As I have stated elsewhere, my first couple of day hikes were with people who had trouble coming down (and probably should have turned back sooner). After that, I started indoctrinating wanna be hikers about the hazards of the trail. [quote=Bob Estes]The last two miles on the way back to Portal seemed to drag out forever. [/quote] Before I did my first day hike I counted the 24 switchbacks in the John Muir Wilderness below Lone Pine Lake. I did not know that the next day I would be counting them on the way down in the dark (as I escorted a member of my group with leg cramps). That helped pass the time.]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:33:40 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50476#Post50476 Posted by Nicpeanut:
Thanks VersatileFred, Kashcraft, and Ex3145 for the responses and pictures. Very helpful to read! We'll post an account of our hike when we return on 7/25, the day after my birthday. ]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:01:47 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50471#Post50471 Posted by Doug G:
Climin C, I am very happy to here that you you made the summit this time without incident even though the weather was very bad. I am looking forward to seeing those pictures when you get back to work.Good Job and You Gotter done! Doug G (Samsonite) ]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:04:10 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50453#Post50453 Posted by Doug Sr:
Hi The road is open it was choked down to one lane several hours Sat. night . Thanks Doug]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:50:50 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50451#Post50451 Posted by MooseTracks:
Oooooooo...... ppppprrreeeeettttttyyyyyy....... Christmas [i]is[/i] just around the corner, you know... :grin:]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:55:27 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50441#Post50441 Posted by Blackfish:
[quote=Steve C]Great picture! How old is Jack? He sounds like a mountaineer in the making. [/quote] Jack turned 13 last March. [img]http://www.allcoast.com/photos/data/500/109108Langley%20Hike%20July%202008%200664732-med.jpg[/img] Everyone, thanks for the nice words....as someone said...a three generation hike would GREAT. Lets hope. ]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:30:29 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50411#Post50411 Posted by Sierra Cement:
Wow how cool. We now have a cheaper option for staying at a motel in Lone Pine! Thanks Doug. That party must have been great. I'd love to listen to Bob and Kurt spin a few tales while eating a burger or two. Here's to wishing the Thompson's success with your new hostel.]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:43:32 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50394#Post50394 Posted by dmatt:
FORECAST FOR THE OWENS VALLEY, MAMMOTH AND MONO COUNTY PROVIDED BY DENNIS MATTINSON EASTERN SIERRA WEATHER FORECASTER KSRW 92.5 / 96.5 FM AND TV-33 MONDAY, 14-JUL-08, 7:08 AM THAT INVERTED TROUGH OVER THE DESERT SOUTHWEST, THE ONE WE TALKED ABOUT ON FRIDAY, HAS CAUSED ISOLATED CONVECTION AND HEAVY SHOWER ACTIVITY IN PARTS OF THE OWENS VALLEY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. THE ALABAMA HILLS RECEIVED ONE INCH OF RAIN IN A 2 HOUR PERIOD ON SATURDAY NIGHT AND ANOTHER 3/8 OF AN INCH LAST NIGHT IN A 30 MINUTE PERIOD. AS OF 7 AM THIS MORNING, HWY 395 SOUTH OF INDEPENDENCE, IS STILL BEING MONITORED BY THE HWY PATROL AS LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER AND MUD HAVE WASHED OVER THE ROADWAY. THUNDER AND LIGHTENING WAS REPORTED UP AND DOWN THE FORECAST AREA, PARTICULARLY ON SATURDAY NIGHT. THAT TROUGH IS CURRENTLY REMAINING STATIONARY OVER THE DESERT SW, SO MOIST AND UNSTABLE AIR WILL STAY WITH US THROUGH AT LEAST TUESDAY WITH THUNDERSTORMS AND PERIODS OF ISOLATED HEAVY RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON POSSIBLE. TODAY FOR THE OWENS VALLEY: PARTLY SUNNY SKIES WITH A 30% CHANCE OF T-STORM ACTIVITY. ON-GOING CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE MID 90S (AROUND 94) AND EVENING LOWS IN THE LOW 60S. NORTHWEST WIND 5 -11 MPH. TOMORROW FOR THE OWENS VALLEY: MOSTLY SUNNY THEN BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20% CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORMS AND ISOLATED SHOWERS. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE MID 90S (AROUND 96) AND EVENING LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTHEAST WIND 5 - 14 MPH. TODAY FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES: PARTLY SUNNY SKIES BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS AND T-STORMS. CHANCE OF PRECIPT 30%. HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 78 EVENING LOWS AROUND 52. CALM WIND BECOMING WEST WIND 5 - 10 MPH. CONTINUED AREAS OF SMOKE. TOMORROW FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES: SUNNY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. AREAS OF HAZE. CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORM AND SHOWER ACTIVITY. HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 79 AND EVENING LOWS AROUND 51. WEST WIND 5 - 10 MPH. CHANCE OF PRECIPT IS 20%. TODAY FOR MONO COUNTY: PARTLY CLOUDY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH AREAS OF HAZE AND SMOKE THROUGH OUT THE DAY. CHANCE OF SCATTERED SHOWERS AND T-STORMS. HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 80 - 90 AND EVENING LOWS 44 - 54. WEST WIND 10 MPH. TOMORROW FOR MONO COUNTY: PARTLY CLOUDY BECOMING MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH AREAS OF SMOKE THROUGH OUR THE DAY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORMS AND SCATTERED SHOWERS. HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 75 - 85 AND EVENING LOWS 43 - 53. WEST WIND 10 MPH. NOTE: DENNIS' FORECAST ORIGINATES FROM THE FORT INDEPENDENCE EPA METEOROLOGICAL STATION. BECAUSE WEATHER CONDITIONS VARY GREATLY FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION IN THE EASTERN SIERRA, THIS FORECAST IS FOR A SPECIFIC AREA AND TIME FRAME]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:03:40 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50389#Post50389 Posted by JungleJim:
Just did a three day solo to Long Lake with a 35lb pack. My usual pack weight is no more than 30lbs with a tent and self inflatable pad. I like all the gear tips to lighten up and plan to try some in August. I am also upgrading some well used gear for new and or lighter gear. ]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:18:54 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50387#Post50387 Posted by DocRodneydog:
Great job. You didn't "fail" last year it was an exploratory, route-seeking, preparatory excursion for this years summit. ]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:37:07 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50380#Post50380 Posted by Poly2002:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/13/state/n101733D31.DTL&tsp=1]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:05:44 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50377#Post50377 Posted by Tom S:
I day hiked Whitney for the 16th consecutive year (age 53) on Tue. 7/8. This year, I changed my pre-hike routine to something more ambitious. In past years, I spent the day before Whitney at Horseshoe Meadows, doing several hours of easy hiking, but that was wearing thin. Plus this year I had 4 free days in a row beforehand, and I wasn’t in the mood to sit around for so long. On Sun., my drive up day, I hiked from Onion Valley to Robinson Lake, and then continued upward cross-country. At the moraine I took the right branch, heading towards University Peak, and turned around at 12,000’. On 3 occasions I heard and saw the dust from rock avalanches that fell off the peak above the top of the moraine. On Mon. I did the lower and middle portion of the Mountaineers Route. I hoped to get to Iceberg Lake, however, at the upper falls below Iceberg, I climbed the first 2 short pitches, but did feel not comfortable soloing the taller third one, so that was my turnaround point. I noted that I was exactly 2/3 of the way to Whitney’s summit, so I thought that one and 2/3 Whitneys in 2 days time was enough of a workout. The next day I did my Whitney hike which was relatively uneventful. At 13,260’ I noticed a good use trail branching off from the switchbacks, heading towards Trail Crest Peak and bisected by the chute descending from Trail Crest. I stopped after a 3-minute walk at the point where the chute snow covered the trail, at which I had a nice view looking up and down the chute. A beautiful little diversion from the switchbacks, but also a little sad too, as I thought of a favorite ex-boss, who had a brother who died in the chute a few years back. After hiking down, I felt good enough to drive to Mojave for the night. ]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:40:57 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50363#Post50363 Posted by RAC:
Adam, That is a great time. Congrats! Out of curiosity, how much time if any did you have to acclimatize? What is the elevation where you live? Also, do you have any details concerning how you used a HRM along the trip (if you used one)?]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:11:20 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50359#Post50359 Posted by conquest:
I know it has been discussed on here many times, but what is the current official stance on the Ursack things? I used one before and loved it, but am about to take the first trip right up the main trail and don't want to get turned around for not having the right stuff. ]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:15:51 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50349#Post50349 Posted by Steve Larson:
[quote=CaliHawk]The altitude got me because I pushed myself too hard and I listened to too much advice about turn around time. If the weather is good, a turn around time is over rated.[/quote] Having a turnaround time is never overrated. But if you set one that was too conservative, and regarded it as in inflexible absolute, I can see how you might reach that conclusion. Turn around times should be determined using a number of factors: weather, mountain conditions, anticipated pace, actual pace, anticipated difficulty, actual difficulty, party strength, consequences of being late, preparedness for what might happen if you're late, and so on. There is nothing wrong with adjusting a turn around time en route, as long as you do it honestly, taking into account actual conditions. By "honestly", I mean not letting yourself and your partners BS your way into believing it's OK to continue on against objective evidence to the contrary, simply because you want to make the summit. In some circumstances, turn around times are pretty much absolute: Everest, areas with regularly scheduled thunderstorms, and many alpine climbs that must be completed before snow conditions (usually on the descent) become too unstable are good examples. In less extreme cases, they should be regarded as times at which a serious discussion about the merits of continuing on vs. descending ought to be held. Keeping a turn around time in mind, and continually evaluating your progress against that time, and assessing the validity of the assumptions behind it, is a good practice. ]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:23:04 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50336#Post50336 Posted by Steve C:
Thanks so much for the clarification, Kurt. I'll be sure to see what Secor has written, too. Looks like some major talus climbing to the pass. I can see why they reported using their seats at times. ]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 23:31:55 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50331#Post50331 Posted by Ken:
Haven't seen anything on this, at all, in the papers, or otherwise. I'd assume that means they connected, and made no report, with so much time passed.]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:53:53 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50328#Post50328 Posted by wbtravis5152:
Damn Bob, that digestive thingy really works.]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:34:15 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50325#Post50325 Posted by asset:
Thanks for the info. I think UBSL may be a better place to camp when doing the MR. I like the idea of sleeping a little lower though it means hiking another hour or so to get to the chute. ]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:26 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50312#Post50312 Posted by LonePalm:
[quote] My last words -- definitely do some good, long training hikes with the shoes, socks, daypack, poles, food, sports drinks, etc that you plan to take to Whitney. Don't try anything for the first time on Whitney. All of the advice on the message boards is great! But, TEST out what you will wear/eat/drink or makes you feel comfortable under long, challenging, or stressful conditions. [/quote] Amen brother. This piece of advice will eliminate a lot of problems. ]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:26:10 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50311#Post50311 Posted by andrew01:
I think longer alpine rock climbs are so hard to accurately grade because if you are a fairly confident climber and you get in the zone of cruising over 4'th or low 5'th class rock you may sometimes blow through a short 5.6 or 5.7 section without even realizing it. Wheras if this was someones limit it might shut them down or atleast make them stop and think for a minute. I think also some people find it hard to justify giving an alpine route a grade based on it's one toughest move given that it may only count for less than 1% of the route and it is probably possible to avoid it. I think a good example of this is the Sun Ribbon Arete on temple. The vast majority of the route is fourth class with a few sustained 5.7 pitches and like 3 5.10 moves (which can be avoided). But most of the guidebooks rate it at 5.10 which scares alot of people because if they don't look closely all they see is an 18 pitch 5.10 alpine route.....when in reality it is much more mellow.....but still awesome. I think in the mountains people need not stress over ratings so much. I think part of the adventure in the mountains is just going for it and finding your own way if necessary. And hell....chances are (for me anyway) your off route half the time any way so what do the ratings even matter. As far as the EB goes....if you lead 5.7 at tahquitz you'll be money. I have been way more scared on much easier rated climbs at tahquitz than anything on the east butt. andrew]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 04:16:22 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50308#Post50308 Posted by Rhody:
mono village has showers too which will be nice after your trip and might make hitchin a ride easier. lots of campers/fisherman there that time of year so getting a ride down to bridgeport shouldn't be a problem, then hopefully someone will pick you up for the trek down 395. check out the diner at mono village, get some fresh lake trout or if you really want to be risky get the 2 plate chicken fried steak.]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:16:52 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50303#Post50303 Posted by innerlight:
Way to go! On July 3rd this year, Whitney became my first summit attempted (and gained!, on the main trail). By the time I got home on the 4th, I was itching to do the MR! Now your report has gone and made that itch a full blown rash! Thanks for posting the great photos. The breath within my lungs was so exhausted from climbing, I could not go on; in fact, as soon as I had reached that stone, I sat. "Now you must cast aside your laziness", my master said, "for he who rests on down or under covers cannot come to fame; and he who spends his life without renown leaves such a vestige of himself on earth as smoke bequeaths to air or foam to water. Therefore, get up; defeat your breathlessness with spirit that can win all battles if the body's heaviness does not deter it. A longer ladder still is to be climbed; it's not enough to have left them behind; if you have understood, now profit from it." Then I arose and showed myself far better equipped with breath than I had been before: "Go on, for I am strong and confident." We took our upward way upon the ridge, with crags more jagged, narrow, difficult, and much more steep than we had crossed before. -Dante Alighieri "The Divine Comedy" Inferno, Canto XXIV, Lines 43-63 I was thinking of this on my way up. Wanted to put it in the book but, well...a little long. Happy Trails!]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:43:17 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50275#Post50275 Posted by VersatileFred:
[quote=TBT]I hired a private shutter to drive me back Yosemite Valley from WP for $250 (two year ago, 2006). I could not find his number now, but I got his information on WP Message Board, his name is John. TT [/quote] Was it [url=http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/29753]John Pennington[/url]?]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:33:35 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50269#Post50269 Posted by Carlsbad Kid:
We plan on spending the night at iceberg lake while doing the mr. Any helpful hints?]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:30:38 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50228#Post50228 Posted by booger:
Rather than Anvil Camp, keep going to above the pothole - above the switchbacks, across the stream. Several tent sites have been fashioned on the flat area before the steep ridge. I've never camped at the lake near the west side of Shepherd - but folks I've talked to who have, did not have a good experience. Too windy; too cold; too exposed. I'm heading over Shephers 16 Jul toward the Upper Kern, then Colby.]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:39:31 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50226#Post50226 Posted by cache 4 four:
There's no snow to get in your way or be concerned about. The trail is wide open. The temperatures the last few days up there have been very warm. The portal temps were in the upper 70's during the day, upper 50's @ night. July 8th........ Depart: Portal @ 12:30am / 59F Arrive: Trail Camp @ 5am / 54F Arrive: Trail Crest @ 9am / 56F Arrive: Summit @ 11:15am / 45F with wind. Depart: Summit @ 12pm Arrive: Portal: @ 6pm / 75F I put my fleece jacket on @ trail camp only because I stopped to refill my water. * Skeeters were really bad just after Lone Pine Lake at the log crossing coming down. * Skeeters also at the Portal pond, campgrounds, & store. ]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:51:54 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50218#Post50218 Posted by dmatt:
FORECAST FOR THE OWENS VALLEY, MAMMOTH AND MONO COUNTY PROVIDED BY DENNIS MATTINSON EASTERN SIERRA WEATHER FORECASTER KSRW 92.5 / 96.5 FM AND TV-33 FRIDAY, 11-JUL-08, 7:10 AM AN INVERTED MID LEVEL TROUGH ALONG THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER IS BOTH INCREASING MONSOON MOISTURE AND ATTEMPTING TO SPLIT THAT HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM THAT HAS BROUGHT US BLISTERING TEMPERATURES. ALL THIS TRANSLATES INTO SLIGHT COOLER TEMPS FOR US THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND AN INCREASED CHANCE OF T-STORMS OVER OUR AREA, PARTICULARLY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. POOR AIR QUALITY WILL CONTINUE TODAY THEN AS THE FLOW CHANGES TO MORE EASTERLY, THINGS SHOULD CLEAR OUT A BIT OVER THE WEEKEND. TODAY FOR THE OWENS VALLEY: MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES AND CONTINUED HOT. AREAS OF HAZE AND SMOKE. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE LOW 100S (AROUND 102) AND EVENING LOWS IN THE MID 60S. SOUTHEAST WIND 5 -11 MPH. TOMORROW FOR THE OWENS VALLEY: MOSTLY SUNNY THEN BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20% CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORMS. HIGH TEMPERATURES IN THE UPPER 90S (AROUND 99) AND EVENING LOWS IN THE LOWER 60S. SOUTHEAST WIND 5 - 14 MPH. TODAY FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES: MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. WIDESPREAD SMOKE WITH A CHANCE OF ISOLATED T-STORMS. CHANCE OF PRECIPT 10%. HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 83 EVENING LOWS AROUND 52. SOUTHWEST WIND 5 - 10 MPH. TOMORROW FOR THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES: SUNNY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. AREAS OF HAZE. CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORM ACTIVITY. HIGH TEMPERATURES AROUND 82 AND EVENING LOWS AROUND 53. WEST WIND 5 MPH. CHANCE OF PRECIPT IS 20%. TODAY FOR MONO COUNTY: SUNNY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY WITH AREAS OF HAZE AND SMOKE THROUGH OUT THE DAY. CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORMS. HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 84 -94 AND EVENING LOWS 44 - 54. NORTHEAST WIND 10 MPH. TOMORROW FOR MONO COUNTY: PARTLY CLOUDY BECOMING MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH AREAS OF SMOKE IN THE MORNING. CHANCE OF AFTERNOON T-STORMS. HIGH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 84 - 94 AND EVENING LOWS 43 - 53. NORTHEAST WIND 10 MPH. FOR KSRW THIS IS DENNIS MATTINSON; HAVE A GREAT "GO DO IT WEEKEND." NOTE: DENNIS' FORECAST ORIGINATES FROM THE FORT INDEPENDENCE EPA METEOROLOGICAL STATION. BECAUSE WEATHER CONDITIONS VARY GREATLY FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION IN THE EASTERN SIERRA, THIS FORECAST IS FOR A SPECIFIC AREA AND TIME FRAME.]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:46:41 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50197#Post50197 Posted by VersatileFred:
[quote=damon728]Does anyone know how big (or small) the bear boxes are at Onion Valley? [/quote] Are you referring to the campsites? The last time I was there they had the short, but wide, lockers that used to be at the Portal family sites (and are still isted on the Recreation.gov website).]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:03:06 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50194#Post50194 Posted by clavote:
[quote=Steve C][quote=clavote]So next week, my buddy is putting synthetic oil in his truck and we are going to do it all over again and see if this makes a difference or not.[/quote]Please report back with his mpg results. I'm curious. [/quote] I changed to Mobil 1 and saw an increase of 3MPG with no change in driving style. I was surprised and did the test for another week and saw that my calculations concluded 4mpg increase. Did the same test with "improved" driving habits and my MPG went up even more to an average of 28MPG combined. Driving slower (under 60MPH) and slower take offs made a huge difference. Using cruise control on the highway was probably the biggest gas saver.]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:36:21 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50189#Post50189 Posted by Whitney:
Thanks for considering this, Gary! I just sent you a private message. If you don't get it, please let me know me at the4hamiltons@hotmail.com so we can discuss this further. Brian]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:57:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50177#Post50177 Posted by MooseTracks:
Steve: Great report! The pics are gorgeous and congrats. It definitely was a bit different this past weekend up there! -L :cool:]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:58:08 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50176#Post50176 Posted by MooseTracks:
[quote=Hoppy]Do you ever feel as if you are pulled up the route by your heart as much as pushed up it by your legs? I know I often do. Best of luck in all your endeavors! --Hoppy [/quote] Hoppy: [u]Every[/u] time. Even just being able to look at these peaks every day (except today with the smoke obscuring [u]everything[/u] again!) brings out a light from inside of me. Thanks! -L :cool:]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:34:00 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50174#Post50174 Posted by SoCalGirl:
[quote=Jeffrey Cook]2 quick comments... First, my personal definition of character is doing the right thing even when no one is looking and there are no consequences to doing the wrong thing. That's the definition I teach to my daughters, and I try to live by it myself. Second, almost every time I see anyone cutting a switchback or doing something else damaging or illegal, I speak up loudly and admonish them for it. I find that if said with sufficient authority, it usually has the desired effect. [b]I do, however, make an exception when the person (or group) looks capable of and willing to leave me in a bloody pulp by the side of the trail. [/b] :o [/quote] Ain't that the truth!!!!!! ]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:05:40 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50171#Post50171 Posted by ATLDave:
Thank you Rosabella. That's perfect! I'm just so jelous I can hardly stand it - I wish I were there too.]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:50:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50144#Post50144 Posted by garys:
Bump for Don]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:55:07 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50139#Post50139 Posted by hikingforhope:
They were on the way down as we were almost at the summit. I cdn't tell if it was a boy or girl due to how bundled up plus head down and looking ill. S/He was holding the stomach while the dad was basically holding the kid and walking him/her quickly down. We were very concerned and offered help, but the dad just said that they had water. I, too, am wondering if the kid ended up okay. It looked like it was trending the wrong way to me...]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:11:39 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50136#Post50136 Posted by VersatileFred:
Dean, Thanks for taking the time to post a trip report. Congratulations on your summit. The second trip up is usually easier than the first, and it was good that you did not overextend yourselves (except at the bottom). Too many people get in trouble when they view a day hike to just Trail Camp or Trail Crest as a failure, when it could be used as a learning experience.]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:29:43 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50131#Post50131 Posted by erick:
Descending the Ledges on the moutaineers route I lost a Standard Horizon Radio in a black nylon holster. It could be down in the bushes or up on the ledge. The date was July 7th. If anyone comes across it I would be greatly appreciative if you let me know. Thanks Eric eric8993@yahoo.com]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:56:41 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50129#Post50129 Posted by MooseTracks:
bump]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:36:52 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50127#Post50127 Posted by SoCalGirl:
:grin: Someone has to stick up for the LEO occassionally... ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:22:42 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50122#Post50122 Posted by Jeffrey Cook:
Congratulations! I've always thought that if I got married again, it would have to be to a woman who could make it to the top of Whitney and still look pretty enough to kiss! :D Was the ceremony performed by a priest, JoP, or the like, or did you have to have someone up to the hike certified to perform the ceremony?]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:34:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50116#Post50116 Posted by MooseTracks:
Thanks, everyone! It was indeed a treat to see the pics. Emory: I had the AA shot of Precipice in winter in my head as I was shooting there. A regret was not taking more color photos of the lake! The colors of blue, black, and green in the water were so intense! Cheers to Russell Blauert of Coronado for returning it to me! :grin: -L :cool:]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:47:48 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50115#Post50115 Posted by Steve Peacock:
Above 10,000', you should expect temps in the 20's during any of the summer months. ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:25:57 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50113#Post50113 Posted by California-Trailwalker:
Sharon also posted a press article about Ric in the same summitpost.com thread, in which is found the following paragraph: "Inyo Search and Rescue volunteers, along with Mono County SAR and China Lake Mountain Rescue Team members, have searched the area since Saturday but by last report had not found the missing man. [b]Deputies report that DeVan did sign the [u]summit register[/u] on Mt. Goode, stating that he planned to traverse to Mt. Johnson.[/b]" (emphasis mine) This speaks clearly as to why summit registers should [b]NEVER[/b] be removed from summits (unless full, and then replaced with a new one) merely for cosmetic/aesthetic reasons! CaT [b][color:#FF0000]Update - This thread is continuing [url=http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/50124/page/1/gonew/1?PHPSESSID=9851d91892859a07c09ed26856c09235#UNREAD]here[/url].[/color][/b]]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:40:20 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50110#Post50110 Posted by ex3145:
I took one on my last trip up although the ranger did say the we only recommended it and it was not mandatory, next year I will probably skip the bear canister to save weight. We had no problems with marmots, birds or bears. But I think I would take the advice of hanging the food up. Seems to be the best option on the MR. ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:42:58 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50101#Post50101 Posted by Jim395:
I am willing to pay someone to bring the food up on foot if anyone is interested?]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:29:27 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50100#Post50100 Posted by Jim395:
I was at Cottonwood lakes last weekend and day hiked up New Army Pass and then back down old Army Pass. The old pass trail had snow covering the trail at several locations but my wife and I passed through w/o crampons but with trecking poles. A little scary because of the steep drop off but doable. A lot of people were turning around although after hiking almost all the way up? There is a very good campsite a about the center of the lake at the bottom of the trail in a patch of trees about 100 feet north of the trail. Snow is melting fast so things change but the trail is in good condition. ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:27:01 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50085#Post50085 Posted by criosrun:
thanks for all the neat info and links. now it seems i might try to get a permit for whitney on friday and climb on saturday. nice and easy as it will be good training for when my runner finishes her run from badwater to the portals. then when she starts up the mt. i can be better prepared. i still will look into running/hiking some of the suggested routes you all have given me. thanks a ton. chris]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:24:15 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50084#Post50084 Posted by adam_up:
July 4th, when I got up to Lone Pine, the air was a bit smoky, but seemed fine - I did a tune up hike Portal to Trail Camp and back and it was ok. I went back to the Visitor Center to pick up my next day's day hike permit and it was very windy. July 5th, I hiked Whitney and it was a very nice day. The wind from the 4th seemed to have cleared things out and the view from the top was much better than I was expecting. July 6th, the air was pretty awful. I rode my bike up on a loop around Horseshoe Meadows Rd/Lubken Canyon Rd/395, then up to the Portal and back, and it was hot and the air was bad. Whitney was only very hazily visible from Lone Pine, and the valley was very hazy from the Portal. Bottom line, I think things are changing quite a bit, but even at the worst I saw, they weren't a reason to cancel plans. ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:20:49 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50082#Post50082 Posted by Matt K:
Very inspiring post. Thank you and keep it up. Maybe I will see you on San Jacinto sometime. I will be sure to say hello. Matt]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:15:49 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50074#Post50074 Posted by SeaDweller:
Hi, If someone can please point to any recent trips to Cottonwood lakes/ new or old army pass and trail conditions that would be great. My group is planning a 3 day backpack and we just wanna know water/snow conditions in terms of aviaability to melt snow. thanks, ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:43:28 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50065#Post50065 Posted by Kashcraft:
Just a follow up on this ramp, next to the waterfall. When we were there yesterday, it was obvious it would be too steep to safely climb up the ramp to get to the top of the waterfall. A little to the west there is a break in the rocks, where one could climb up into the area to do some exploring. http://piotrowski.smugmug.com/gallery/1920314_T6foD#97248907_4DiRn-A-LB]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:03:09 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50063#Post50063 Posted by peaksbagger:
Thanks for the great information. We'll be up there soon and we are looking forward to an awesome trip.]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:06:55 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50061#Post50061 Posted by fish395:
There is also a great small campground at the trailhead by North Lake.It might be tough to get a space but worth the effort.Four Jeffrey on the South Fork is the other best bet.If you reserve a space there try to get on along the creek,that's where the shade is.]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:57:33 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50058#Post50058 Posted by Steve C:
Maybe I should get a T-shirt that says...                                     :) ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:39:56 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50057#Post50057 Posted by VersatileFred:
[quote=Karen R]I think many people underestimate what they're up against--primarily the altitude. ... Hopefully people planning the hike will find this board, as I did, and heed the advice of all the experienced folk. [/quote] Thanks. Those are my sentiments as well. This message board was not around when I did my first three hikes.]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:22:18 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50056#Post50056 Posted by VersatileFred:
[quote=Orientation Notes]The Recreation.gov site states that the [family site] bear boxes are 18" high, 18" deep, and 50" long, but they were upgraded about the same time the new pit toilets were installed (2003). The new boxes look the same as the boxes that were originally installed in [font:Verdana][b]the group sites and the [i]outside[/i] dimensions are about 30" high, 34" deep, and 48" long[/b]. [/font][/quote] As I recall, there is only one box in sites G1 and G3. Originally the group sites had the largest bear lockers, but the family sites were upgraded in the 2003 time frame to similar size lockers. Note that out of curiosity and forethought, I actually measured the outside of one of the lockers with a tape measure, but remember that you lose an inch or two in each dimension because of the frame.]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:13:01 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50049#Post50049 Posted by Sierraaddict:
You might want to check out the Kernville, Lake Isabella area. It's only about 2 1/2 hours from the LA area. There is good lake and river fishing with boat rentals on the lake. Plenty of hiking in the area with the Sequoia National Park close by. You can plan some whitewater rafting with one of several outfitters. Try your hand flyfishing with one of the local guides. There are sevearl types of lodging available plus campgrounds (at the lake and on the river). It's a very small community and very family friendly. Hope you find what your looking for closer to home. I've been to Mono village at Twin Lakes and know what a great area it is. Kernville has the same homey feel to it. http://www.lakeisabella.net/ Take a tour of the area with this link. ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:01:01 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50040#Post50040 Posted by Ken:
[quote=California-Trailwalker] But help me better understand, perhaps with some more specifics, how the above quote would be true. Unless an awful lot of a company's store reps spend a lot of their time just talking to prospective customers in lieu of selling product, which I doubt is the case, how would a company lose money to the point of being unprofitable and going out of business merely due to providing a high level of customer service? CaT PS - Ken - Are you participating in the 9/27 MB hike? [/quote] You ask how, and I would say, that one would have to start a campaign to have people conduct that practice.....go in, use expert fitting services, do onsite comparison trails--then buy somewhere else. Oh, wait a minute! That is exactly what happened in this thread, advocating that practice, in a public way. We are watching the blueprint of the process.... Don't yet know about the 9/27 hike.....]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:36:22 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50038#Post50038 Posted by DocRodneydog:
Some may enjoy this. Hope the link works. http://www.thedreamsmovie.com/]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:33:58 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50035#Post50035 Posted by KevinR:
Thanks for the id, Tom. We've bought 2 flower books since we moved here, and they don't scratch the surface in terms of the number and variety of flowers in the eastern sierra desert and mountains. These shooting stars were on both sides of the trail and looked like they'd be in bloom for awhile. Plenty of water in the stream, and the big snowfield on the south side of the trail will take awhile to melt.]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:04:13 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50033#Post50033 Posted by Steve C:
Check the NOAA weather links on the "Weather Links" page above on the left. Looks to me like it will be somewhere between 38 to 42 at Trail Camp Sunday night. ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:35:43 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50032#Post50032 Posted by DUG67:
Day hiked Whitney yesterday with my brother and sister in law. Was my 11th successful summit out of 12 tries. I got sent home early last year due to gastro and snow and ice at the cables. Since I was deployed all last summer we couldn't even try until OCT. This trip more than made up for it. Got to the Portal about 1045 on the 6th, lusting for a pancake all the way north from Wildomar. Went directly to the store and Doug told me I was just in time. He handed me the wagon wheel sized treat and said it was on the house! Thanks again Doug - it was incredible - I ate the WHOLE thing. Got some rest and we headed out right around 0200. Headlamps ahead of us and behind. Every single person I talked to said this was their 1st trip. Great to see new folks enjoying the beauty of the Whitney area (and maybe staying out of my Kings Canyon playground :). Nothing really to report - perfect weather, trail 99% snow free, nothing bad happened on the trail. There is water part way up the switch backs if you are out on the way down or somehow forget to top off on the way up. Talked to about 10 people throughout the day who said they were out of water. Maybe because they were all 1st timers? I don't know. My 1st time I had way too much water and ended up dumping some just to make it up. All in all probably my best Whitney trip. I never "hit the wall" or felt crappy all day. Couple blisters on the way down, but nothing bad. Had front row parking right by the bathrooms. While I was taking off my boots a guy with a huge pack walks up to me (coming from the store) and asks where the trail to Whitney was. I pointed across the street to the trailhead and he asked how far. He seemed surprised at the 11 mile distance. I also noted he didn't have a permit on his pack. He walked over to the start and picked up some nice looking sunglasses from a small pile of lost items. Tried them on and walked away. I yelled after him, but he kept walking. No way to chase after him with one boot on and one boot off. Kind of a weird ending to a near perfect hike...............................DUG]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:30:54 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50016#Post50016 Posted by Rick Kent:
I believe the route does go left. Route finding can be a little difficult on the North ridge. I think I know the spot you're talking about because I remember a tricky downclimb on the left side near the first tower. I think this is sometimes rappelled. I also remember a few other tricky moves but the real crux is the lieback pitch. It might be 5.5 oldschool but I think it's frequently considered 5.6 or 5.7 these days. Here's a photo of the downclimb I was thinking of: http://www.rickkent.net/ViewerPlus/viewphoto.aspx?ID=70112 You might also check out the prior photos to that one to see if my photos to that point look like anything you remember. Sounds like you figured out how to get to that point. Also, Bob Burd has a description for the route which may or may not be helpful: Following is the route description I penned on the summit of Lone Pine Peak. If you use it, I'd appreciate any feedback on its helpfulness. My guess is most will find it as useless as I found Secor's description. :-) Secor and others describe the route with two towers, a description I found misleading both times I was on the route. It seems more accurate to me to describe it as having four notches, which I will attempt to incorporate here. Climb 2nd to 3rd class up to the tower before the 1st notch. Downclimb into the notch (class 3-4), then climb up (5.4) just right of the ridge. Climb up and back onto the ridge where you can see the large leaning slab on the left side. Climb down a nice ramp about 30ft to where you can climb up and around the leaning slab on the left side. Climb down 15ft, traverse the east side for about 40ft, then climb a series of 3 grooves/chimneys back up to the ridge (5.2 on the last one). Follow the ridgeline, airy and knife-edged at times, to the point above the second notch. Climb down to the notch. This is a good point to put on climbing shoes if you haven't already. The east side of the 2nd notch is a steep, difficult chute. The west side has a sandy ledge that is easy to follow down for several hundred feet, but far off the route. Your best bet is up the ridge, just to the right of the centerline. This section is the crux - off-widths, chimneys, and a 5.6 lieback await you. There are escape options off to the right a few hundred feet above the 2nd notch, that look to be class 3 routes to the top on the NW Face. Better climbing is found by returning to the ridgeline where possible. You should never have to climb down more than 10-20ft to get around obstacles. Check your options before committing to a line of attack. There is a fantastically airy class 3 ledge that goes around the left side of the ridge and brings you around obstacles and back to the ridgeline. Here the ridge gets airy and knife-edged, but only class 3. Follow it to the 3rd notch. It now appears you are at the base of the summit blocks (last 400ft), but there is one more notch above. Climb down into the 3rd notch directly from the ridgeline, then ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:23:48 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=50000#Post50000 Posted by TRETINA:
[quote=ClamberAbout]Also, how do you know it's actually abondoned? Think of some poor soul who's cached gear, depending on it being there, only to show up and it's all gone.[/quote] Amen! I've heard of folks picking up rope, snow shoes, sleeping bags and trekking poles from various places on MT Whitney (mostly the MR). I always thought to myself, well, that's pretty lame of you, how do you know for certain it wasn't cached by someone. These items (other than the sleeping bag) are very often cached by hikers...it would make you stop and think before taking them, right? Guess not to some. I always thought about taking along a pen, paper and plastic bag and at least writing a note on your items, indicating name and date and reason you left them. Perhaps that would prevent others (who really *do* know better) from taking them. ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:55:25 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49990#Post49990 Posted by mono:
My buddy just bought a Nikon D300 and we dragged that thing all the way to the top of Shasta. He didn't want to have to dig into his pack to get out his camera each time he saw a shot. So he rigged some elaborate system. But no matter what he did that camera was swinging back and forth. He eventually just put it in his pack during the whole trip. ]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:33:29 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49972#Post49972 Posted by mountainboy11:
Check out this great quote: "As human beings we need direct, natural experiences; we require fully-activated senses in order to feel fully alive...but in this information age, vital information is missing. Nature is about smelling, hearing, tasting, seeing below [b]'the transparent mucous-paper in which the world like a bon-bon is wrapped so carefully that we can never get at it[/b]' as D.H. Lawrence put it, in a relatively obscure but extraordinary description of his own awakening to nature's sensory gift." - Richard Louv, [i]Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder[/i] p.57 Amen from a non-filterer !!!! See what the mucous paper (aka water filters) does to our children!!! LOL... =)]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:50:56 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49951#Post49951 Posted by VersatileFred:
[quote=innerlight]I hope this helps other first timers. I know it's probably pretty redundant to the vets.[/quote] That is what the message board is for. Surprisingly, vets like to read reports from first timers, especially when people show respect for the whole experience. I assume that you now have more respect for the bear lockers. Thanks for your report.]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:37:27 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49941#Post49941 Posted by tomcat_rc:
MC - thanks - yes I expected to see lots of wildflowers - I was thrilled to see columbine & leopard lillies - I was hoping to see some sky pilot as well but I guess 11k is just a little too low. Whit - from the saddle just below Alta Peak is was fairly obvious. Head along the south side of the ridge to avoid the worst boulder scrambling and then drop down and over into the cirques bowl - a tablelands type area that is almost directly east of Peak Lake. From the table lands we headed somewhat north near the tarn/drainage continue north and west as you make your way down and finally descend some ledge system that drops down into the Pear Lake campsights near the solar toilet. From here it was all maintained trail back to Wolverton. Not sure how easy the tableland ledges are after the snow melts out. We had the added advantage of mixing some class II scrambles with some class fun boot and butt glissades. Water is plentiful so we did not have to haul heavy amounts - although Rafael wanted the extra training weight so he hauled +5 liters for his journey. If you are interested in a GPS type track line - send me a message and I can forward it along. What a fun day on the mountain with a great group of people. Although this was a west side peak - I am still an East side guy at heart.]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:11:36 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49931#Post49931 Posted by Bob R:
I embedded this information in another thread, but thought it was worthwhile to give it a life of its own. The subjects have been dealt with before, but the twist here is a little different. ----- Here is what Charles Houston MD has to say about HAPE on p. 144 of in his latest (fifth, 2005) edition of [i]Going Higher: Oxygen, Man, and Mountains[/i]: “Because it is difficult to determine the number of people at risk, we can only approximate the percentage of visitors to mountain areas who develop HAPE. In addition to altitude, there are many other contributing factors, such as speed and method of ascent, level of exercise, and individual susceptibility. Extensive data collected from Mount Kenya, the Mount Everest region, the Indian Himalayas, Peru, Colorado, and the European Alps suggest that anywhere from 0.01 percent to 4.5 percent of the people who go to high altitude develop HAPE. One report from the Sino-Indian war in 1962 gave an incidence of 15 percent. Most cases occur after twenty-four to forty-eight hours at altitude, mainly above 10,000 feet. These disparate findings illustrate the difficulty in interpreting information collected in different ways by different individuals in different situations.” What might this mean for Mt. Whitney? Taking 160 people per day during the summer as a working number (60 overnight + 100 day): [list][*]0.01% is about one every other month [*]4.5% is about seven per day [*]15% is 24 per day [/list] I have long suspected that unrecognized cases of HAPE (incipient, perhaps) among Mt. Whitney visitors are more frequent than commonly thought. For any number of reasons the afflicted person may turn around and descend, thereby quickly and easily correcting the situation--without ever having been aware of what it was. ----- And AMS? Houston quotes a number of prior studies. Extracting results that are most meaningful for us, the instances of AMS, in previously unacclimatized people, were (ibid p. 113): [list][*] 40% of those going to 8900’ (1989) [*]27% of those going over 9000’ (1993) [*]17% of those going to 9500’ (1985) [*]42% of those going to 9800’ (1990) [*]34% of those going to 12000’ (1989) [*]42% of those going to 14000’ (1986) [/list]As we all already well know, AMS strikes a large fraction of Whitney visitors. But here are some quantifications. The unacclimatized should learn that AMS is possible—even likely—and know how to prepare in advance for it. And how to deal with it if it hits. Use the search function to find the voluminous information already posted about it on this board. I don't have analogous frequency numbers for HACE. But HACE--the "end stage" or severe AMS--is considerably less common than AMS or HAPE. Nevertheless, the new Mt. Whitney visitor should probably learn a little about it, as well. ----- Houston’s book has a wealth of other information about man (and woman) at altitude. ~$18 at Amazon ]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:37:43 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49920#Post49920 Posted by superTramp:
[quote=Steve C]Base Camp Whitney Portal Trailhead (Say... it would come right after Whitney Portal Store in the phone book, too.) Hmmm... Doug, maybe the author of the name you use should get one night free. :-) [/quote] Hmmm... wonder why annapurna doesn't post anymore... wonder if SteveC or anyone else has any thoughts on this... anyways, best to get this posted as soon as possible!!!! [size:14pt][color:#33FF33][b]DougSr; Thank you for all that you and your family take the time to do. :)[/size][/color] Can't wait for those pics![/b] Will eagerly monitor the [b][color:#FF0000]new forum[/color][/b], for relevant info, including reports, pics and 'pinions, as well as the other forums you "sponsor" !!! see ( http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/cfrm ) [size:14pt]Thank you for all that you and family take the time to do. ;)[/size]]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:27:23 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49918#Post49918 Posted by superTramp:
[quote=Steve C]"Whitney Portal Hostel" Is that the name of Doug's new place? !!! Cool! I guess this closes the [url=http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/24801/page/0/fpart/1]"Name that Inn" thread[/url]. [/quote] :whistle: Will no-one hijack a thread today or repost a previous one, to get some response to the announcement of DougSr today, in the Hostel (new) Forum? (see http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/7/page/1 ) :whistle: ]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:07:57 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49913#Post49913 Posted by Steve Peacock:
Too bad if you stay to your schedule you will need a lucky thumb. But if you get in early or way late a few days the following will get you as far as Metrolink will get you. Not a whole lot to do in Lone Pine over a Sunday except to try to find a ride out. From Lone Pine to Ridgecrest http://www.inyocounty.us/transit/CRESTpage.htm Ridgecrest to Mojave to Lancaster Kern Regional Transit bus to Mojave and different Kern Regional bus to Lancaster. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/about/public-transport.shtml Lancaster to La Metrolink]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:53:38 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49912#Post49912 Posted by Steve Peacock:
Under $20 and an overnight. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2:50PM http://www.inyocounty.us/transit/CRESTpage.htm Then use YARTS from Mammoth the next morning. http://yarts.com/schedule/2008/summer120.pdf You just need a ride down the hill to Lone Pine.]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:37:56 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49911#Post49911 Posted by ex3145:
Yeah I was very happy with how well she did, there was another couple who made it to where the lone pine tree is and freaked out and turned around... I thought we would be right there with them but she climbed it no problem. I think we are going to hit up Mt. San Jacinto before the summer is over... my dad has never hiked that one so I think we are going to make it a trio and she will for sure get her first summit there based on how well she preformed on the MR. ]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:34:37 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49894#Post49894 Posted by mono:
Yup. We got pictures from a Nikon D300 and even some helmet cam video. I've been flaky on posting them up. I'll get them up soon. ]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:42:21 PDT http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=49880#Post49880 Posted by kevin trieu:
my .02 Had my contacts on for 2 weeks and up to 20k' on a trip last year with no problems. Occasional dryness in the morning but that's expected. I still hate contacts though. ]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:42:55 PDT