Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Thanks from the Atlanta Crew

We just wanted to say thanks for all the great beta and help. We all summited by noon on May 1 and went thru to the portal the same evening. We met a lot of great folks and especially thank Richard P. for his kind words and photos that he had posted here prior to our arrival. We apologize for being slowpolks but we couldn't find any grits for breakfast before our start. We went to Bishop to the Galen Rowell Mountain Light Gallery after we got down and were really moved by quality of their work. It is clear they are sorely missed but the gallery is a must see for wilderness lovers. Also, had the honor of meeting Kurt Wedberg at his shop Sierra Mountaineering International in Bishop. He took the time to chat and showed SOUTHERN cal hospitality. We took the red eye from LA to hotlanta in time for the office. Spent the whole day calculating the next trip. Can you imagine that?

<img src=http://piotrowski.smugmug.com/photos/20989231-S.jpg>
Here's what the Atlanta crew's backsides look like. Sorry I didn't snap a pic looking down at you.

I enjoyed talking with you guys on the way up to, and at, LBSL. Sorry we didn't run into you up higher.

The question that's been burning in my mind for the past few days is whether you scolded the snowshoe'rs for destroying the "boot track." I've been planning on putting in a thread about climbing etiquitte since I noticed another faux pau higher up the mountain (glissade tracks down the "boot track").

We haven't had a chance to deal with that just yet as our group got divided but you make a great point and we will meet this weekend for a bbq. I learned first hand how snowshoes destroy kicked steps that day as we suffered up rekicking steps. Your point about getting folks to glissade away from the kicked steps is a no brainer. I think you guys were gone before we began our assent on the 1st at 6AM but I did see people glissading all over the place including the steps. I aspire to your code and will speak with our guys. We had a great climb and loved your Cal hospitality as I said earlier.

Did you happen to hear how teh conditions are on the Summer Route? We are heading there this weekend.
Thanks
Dale

Very glad to hear that you all made it to the top (and back down). It turned out to be a great day for it! I have a couple of photos that include one or more of you (one of the 'cliff' below Iceberg Lake and one of the notch), so feel free to email me if you'd like to see them.
[I think my email is accessible via this board; otherwise just add a reply to this thread.]

cheers,
julian

We would love to have them and thanks so much for your help. I sent you an e mail moments ago. Anyone care to go to Ranier or the Grand?

I might be interested in Rainier and the Upper Exum Ridge on the Grand. When do you plan to go? Do you plan on hiring a guide?

Just talk for the moment. Contact me directly by e at michaeletate@charter.net. Big bbq at Doc's tonight. I'm sure the next boys trip will come up...