We had reservations for camping at the Portal campground for 21st - 24th. This is one of the nicest campgrounds any where! Hats off to Thomas the camp host. The facilities are well maintained and the vault toilets were virtually spotless.
Our group met at the visitors center in Lone Pine around noon on Thursday. Although we were not going to hike Mt Whitney, I asked about available day hike permits. There were seven available for Friday!
On Friday morning, one other member of our group, Doug, wanted to go hiking with me. We headed to the Meysan Lakes trail head and took off just before 10am. Late start, but it is only 5 miles to Meysan Lake. This has to be one of the best hikes in the Sierra! We met only two others on the trail on the way up. The views are amazing in every direction. We filled up our water bottles in the cascade of falls just off trail about mid way up and then refilled at Meysan Lake for the trip down. Lots of water available all along this hike. We went for a swim in Meysan Lake, very cold! but felt great. It took us about 3 1/2 hrs to hike up, including several picture and snack breaks. 2 1/2 hrs to get back to the Portal campground. I would highly recommend this hike to any one for a Whitney pre hike. Good steady climbing, great views and virtually no one else on the trail. Pictures are here
Gary
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"Everything I ever needed to know about parenting, I learned from watching Davey & Goliath"
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