Over what was a great long weekend, Dave E and I flew out from Maryland, met up with Bob R, hiked up the Meysan Lakes Trail to Grass Lake, dropped our packs, and climbed Lone Pine Peak. The next day, Bob R and I climbed the East Chute to bag Mallory and Irvine. Hiked back out the next morning just in time for one of Doug's great cheeseburgers with fries. Was hoping to do LeConte and Thor too, but simply did not have enough gas left in the tank. Weather was spectacular - hardly a cloud in the sky. Dave's and my pictures are here (you probably know where to find Bob's):
http://members12.clubphoto.com/jim897026/2591332/owner-c5ea.phtmlA few observations:
1) The Meysan Lakes Trail is great. Far less crowded than the Whitney Trail, with beautiful scenery, although it does seem to have more switchbacks than necessary (I agree with Bob R - whoever built the trail was paid by the mile!)
2) The East Chute to the bowl between Mallory and Irvine is much more fun than the scree slog to Lone Pine Peak (note to self: buy some scree gaiters!). There's a small snowfield near the top of the chute, and to bypass it, you need to climb the "black rock waterfall." It's about a 10 foot vertical pitch that's fun if you don't mind getting a little wet
3) For the third year in a row, I was entirely unable to eat at altitude. I don't fully understand it, but I completely lose my appetite. I lived off of gorp for the better part of the weekend.
4) When you apply for your permit, make sure you get one extra space and see if Bob R can come along with you. You won't be disappointed!
