Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board The best thing about Whitney

The wife & I just returned from a two week birthday celebration that took us to Glenn Pass via the Rae Lakes Loop, Badwater Basin, Mount Whitney & Joshua Tree. Four National Parks, the lowest point in the US & the highest point outside of Alaska. Wow what beautiful sights. Thanks to all of you who offer sound advice on here. We acclimated to altitude in Kings Canyon and Sequoia the week before. Then camped at the portal the day before and trail camp day 1 summiting by 0800 on day 2 and returning. Your advice no doubt helped produce a safe, successful and memorable trip. Which leads me to what’s best about Whitney.

The best thing about Whitney is the people of Lone Pine and the local backpacking community. Thank you to the gentleman at Elevation Sierra for the sound weather advice. Also to the young lady who works both at elevation and the portal. We came out of Raes Lakes with an appetite and geez Lone Pine did not disappoint. Alabama Hills Cafe, Mt Whitney Restaurant, Seasons and Pizza Factory were all spot on. The staff at Dow Villa were very accommodating.

Thanks to the local hikers and backpackers for sharing your trail with all of us outsiders, offering encouragement when we looked rough and appearing to be just as proud for us as we were of ourselves for summiting.

Job well done Lone Pine. We will be returning at a later date to enjoy your treasures and spend time with you again.

BTW. Is the long white haired ornery fella from the portal a regular on here?

Alveolus,

Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like it could not have gone better. I recall discussing this outing with you in May on this Message Board, as you were then sketching a plan. You had many great options, as I recall.

Yes, the gentleman with the long white hair is a regular here. By first-hand experience over decades, he has accumulated a vast fund of knowledge about the Mt Whitney area (and beyond). He enthusiastically shares this knowledge which has assisted thousands of hikers (including me) in the area. His practical assistance can range from assisting a hiker getting into a locked vehicle in the parking lot when keys are "lost," to participating in a rescue high up on the Mountain.

We always look forward to encountering him or members of his wonderful family at the Store.

For a solid read, check out the Third Edition of "The Mount Whitney Guide, 30 Years on the Mountain."

Safe travels back home and come visit again soon.

Jim