Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Successful Summit August 20th

Looks like the 2nd attempted was the winner this time for me as I finally made it to the summit. Started around 230am and reached the summit a hair less than 9 hours at around 1125am.

Making the summit this time around was a bit of redemption for me as I seriously screwed up the first time up and didn't handle my hydration level as well as I should have. This time I kept much better hydrated and reaped the rewards for it.

I was so happy, I let out this rather loud yell as I reached the summit. People were smiling and congratulating me and stuff and everyone up top was in great spirits. I even had to take a picture of the summit log (thanks for the hiker that held the lid up for me as I snapped the photo). I did find it odd that I was one of the only Nevadans on the summit (there was one other I was aware of that I ran into coming downhill near the JMT junction)

One thing of note on the way up (and something to keep in mind if you hike in the early morning). There's starting to be icepatches along the lower switchbacks where the streams are still present. Use caution here since it could get slippery. Later on in the day its fine, but watch them in the early morning.

Coming down I clipped along fairly fast...probably a little two fast I got a little woozy about 1 mile from the trailhead and my right quad cramped a little. Didn't end up being a big deal and some drink cleared it after about 20 minutes.

So 15 1/2 hours total trip time...And I'm glad I did it. Clearly hydration is the key because all kinds of funny things will happen to your body when you get dehydrated, none pleasant. Also pick your pace that works for you, even if it seems slow compared to other hikers. It may seem like you're dogging it up high, but slow and steady always wins the day. I'm sure I'll be back to do this all over again next year!

SeanB.
Reno NV

*edited for grammar*

Congratulations! Job well done.

Now, do it again next year.

Congratulations! I think I may repeat the barbaric YAWP when I get there this Saturday!

-Laura

<font size=3 face="comic sans ms">Ah... a DPS fan!</font>

<font face="comic sans ms" size=6 color=#ff0000>YAWP!</font>

Hey, Cal-Trail!

Heard about the DPS but haven't been on any trips yet. Looking forward to joining up sometime this winter when I have more time. Been doing stuff w/ HPS and 20s/30s group, too.

Sound it out, loud and proud! YAWP!!!

-Laura

Okay I have to ask... whats this DPS that I hear mentioned?

DPS = Dead Poet's Society. The poem is "Song of Myself Section 52."

"The spotted hawk swoops by and accuses me, he complains of my gab and my loitering.

I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,
I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.

The last scud of day holds back for me,
It flings my likeness after the rest and true as any on the shadow'd wilds,
It coaxes me to the vapor and the dusk.

I depart as air, I shake my white locks at the runaway sun,
I effuse my flesh in eddies, and drift it in lacy jags.

I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love,
If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles."

-- Walt Whitman