The context of this hike was set by two consecutive low snow winters and subsequent drought. Five miles of trail (along the Kern River) had burned in a fire last year and a fire had just been contained along Hogback Road at the base of Whitney Portal. Additionally, the Inyo Creek Fire had just begun on June 19.

The weather forecast was favorable for hiking: nearly clear skies, full moon, some breezes. But due to fire risk, I had Plans B and C, as I noted in my post in the June 18 thread started by Doug Sr "Portal Road Closed."

The facilities at Giant Forest/Lodgepole were only partially functioning, but the number of visitors was large. When I picked up my permit on June 20th at the Giant Forest Museum, the issuing ranger noted a fire near Whitney Portal. This was also noted by the Bearpaw Ranger (Wilson) when he checked my permit on the first day of the hike. Camp was made the first night at Precipice Lake where I encountered the most campers I had ever seen at these small exposed campsites.

On the second day Big Arroyo Creek was crossed by stepping on stones. The only mosquitoes of the hike were encountered at the Big Arroyo Patrol Cabin. From the Chagoopa Plateau, my hopes were elevated by the lack of smoke to the east.

Descending to the Kern River, the trail passed through unappealing fire ravaged terrain for the next five miles. Chagoopa Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in California) did not have its usual impressive thundering flow of water. After finding a campsite at Kern Hot Spring free of burned debris, a nice soak was enjoyed in the tub. The spring and surrounding meadow had apparently escaped the fire last year. Also camping by the hot spring was a unique and well organized family with five kids (ages 12,10,7,4, and 1). They were also hiking the High Sierra Trail. If I recall correctly, the youngest was expected to celebrate her first birthday at the summit of Mt Whitney. The Mom (an RN) laughed when I told her it is likely children have been conceived in the Summit Shelter!

On the third day all creek crossings were trivial. In fact, I never put a shoe in water the entire hike. At Crabtree Meadow signs were posted by the Crabtree Ranger requesting hikers not exit down the Main Trail to Whitney Portal. Of the many campers at Crabtree Meadow, I seemed to be the only one affected by this trail closure. Camp was made where the PCT crossed Whitney Creek. The water level in the creek was so low, I likely could have caught trout with my hands.

On my final day (as suggested by the sign left by the Crabtree Ranger) I followed the PCT south to Cottonwood Pass and then headed to the Horseshoe Meadow TH. From there I started to hitchhike and landed in Lone Pine two hours later.

Of course, when I arrived in Lone Pine I was unshaven and covered in dirt and sweat. I fit in nicely with the dozens of fire fighters in town for a break after descending from the battle taking place on the Mountain. Rightly so, these men and women were treated as heroes in town.

The Lone Pine Airport was filled with assorted aircraft. Nearby many acres were bulldozed and a Fire Camp was established. The High School appeared to be a command post. Structures up in the Portal were being covered with aluminized fire-wrap.Inyo County Supervisor Kingsley was scheduled to update the community at a public meeting.

At the Mt Whitney Hostel I noticed a new High Sierra Trail tee shirt and added it to my collection. This hike will certainly be remembered.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that all the folks on the Mountain pull through this OK and hope the tide has turned in their favor during this struggle. Thanks you firefighters.

For those interested in updates, a good source seems to be the Inyo County Sheriff Facebook Page and the Inyo NF webpage and links.

Looking forward to returning to the Mountain soon.

Jim