Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Husband & Son Hiking John Muir Trail

I just read the message from the member inquiring about her husband and 9 year old son. I like that idea since it's next to impossible to get an update on our loved ones.

So, has anyone spotted 2 tall guys, one with lots of grey hair the other with dark brown hair? They started out Sunday at Lone Pine and climbed Mt. Whitney yesterday, July 29th. They're names - Bob (aka Rambob) and Aaron Stienstra. They are headed to Guitar Lake today. Would love to know if anyone has spotted those 2. Also, if anyone sees them, tell them Jeanie & Christian say "hello". I think they will be completely surprised!

Thanks!!

If this is a legitimate post,
you must be related to Tom Steinstra, an outdoors hiker/fisherman/writer whom I respect. His books have been an invaluable resourde for my family and me. I wish I was up on the mtn. right now to meet these two, Rambob is a legend in his own right.

Yup, indeed I am related - I'm Rambob's wife. This is his 2nd time doing the John Muir trail and he is taking our oldest son on this hike as a college graduation gift. Our other son and myself will join them August 13th at Red's Meadows to finish the hike in Tuolumne Meadows.

Awesome! Have a great hike and post a trip report if you can of your Reds Meadow to Tuolumne hike, I have always wanted to hike that stretch.
Curious as to why they chose south to north?

perhaps we'll pass you on the trail - we're starting the JMT out of Happy Isles on the 15th and will reach Tuolumne on the 17th. my husband is 6' with red hair & an external frame pack. i'm a medium tall brunette and i'll have a toddler riding on my back. hope we can cross paths.

My son REALLY wanted to climb Mt. Whitney so that's why they started South. I sure hope they made it ... won't know until Aug. 13th (unless a hiker runs into them on the trail and responds to my posting).

And we'll keep our eyes out for a couple with a toddler in tow. That's brave. What a lucky baby! I can't wait to get hiking.

Hiking south to north has three nice advantages:

1) You have to pass fewer people
2) The sun is almost always on you pack and not your face (although you still get reflection from the ground).
3) Because of #2, you get better views (no stopping) without glare from the sun.