While heading up from Guitar Lake to Trail Crest on Monday 7/29 with clear skies and stiff winds., I encountered the family of four (with 4 year old twins). Like others, they were boulder hopping to avoid some hard snow/ice on the trail. Despite the 13,000' altitude, their pace was unlabored and steady. One could sense that they were in control and enjoying the experience, as well as the awesome scenery as the early morning sun cast upon the Great Western Divide to the west. Having started at Horseshoe Meadows, they were looking forward to experiencing the 360 degree views from the summit of Mt Whitney.
A few hours later, I encountered the family again as they crossed the summit snow field. I could not resist telling the parents that when the kids become adults they will come to appreciate how fortunate they were to have parents who made the effort to provide them with practical experience in the Sierras.
I commented that I felt very indebted to my father for providing me with such an experience. In fact, just days after I turned 10, Dad guided me across the Sierras on the High Sierra Trail in 1959. I was now completing the 60th Anniversary repeat of that High Sierra Trail crossing in memory of my father and all he taught me during his very short life. The Mom broke out in tears and it was challenging for me to conceal mine.
This brief interaction with the family was one of the highlights of my hike. It is this unique human interaction which provides extra meaning to one's relationship with the Mountain. It was as if several Great Forces suddenly fell into alignment and I felt as if I had won the true jackpot in Life!
Jim F
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