Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board trip report

My brother and I tried on the 25th and made it to trail camp. My brother had a throbbing headache at TC and was questioning why the summit ? Some on this board have said that much of the climb is mental and I agree. When you are feeling the beginning signs of AMS, you really must want to get to the top or it's not going to happen. My brother has quite a bit of scar tissue in his lungs from almost dying from double pneumonia back in '91. I give him a lot of credit for doing the training hikes. Listening to him huffing and puffing up Baden Powell (twice-16 miles 5600' 6.25 hours) and our local Ritter Ridge inspires me beyond belief. He was probably correct in his decision and we were hiking together, so we went down together. We were traveling very light---running shoes and fanny packs. Yes, fanny packs packed with 2000 calories, 2 liters of Gatorade, small first aid, thin poncho and emer. blanket and water treatment. We hit the trail at 3:20 reaching TC at 7:10 and back at the Portal at 10:20. We found the trail to be pretty easy to follow and, like most have said, quite "rocky" above Mirror Lake, but very doable. The views were spectacular and the hike was well worth the effort and, even though, my brother will not attempt Whitney again it could be in my future. The day after the hike we are both fine with no aches or pains. Met some nice people and it's amazing how many people persevere. Thanks everybody for the information, trip reports and encouragement.

reghiker, you guys were making great progress. Too bad the AMS symptoms set in so strongly.

What did you do in the way of altitude preparation? Your brother could probably do great if you spent several days and nights at Horseshoe Meadows prior to climbing Whitney.

Congratulations on a safe and successful hike! I'm a strong believer in start and stay together, you did great! Kudos to your brother for hanging in with the scared lungs, that must have taken some real effort on his part. I'll be giving Whitney another try next year (also stopped at Trail Camp this year). Good luck on a summit next year for both of us.
Bobbie

Steve C Thank you for your contributions to this site. I took 325 mg aspirin 4 hours apart for 2 days before, Richard did not. Because it was a late decision to hike we only stayed at the Portal from 11:00 A.M. the day before. Don't know if I would stay in the back packers' campground again. We hiked down the trail from the store to campground and back, but basically took it easy. I have read and met 2 guys hiking to LP Lake that some do this hike the day before their summit attempt. That seems a bit much for me. I realize we didn't spend enough time at altitude and next time will be different. I just had lunch with my brother and he's talking about trying it again !!! Even though I think we're in good shape---wait til next time. I might add, my brother was a C.I.F. cross country champion and does not like to fail in an endurance endeavor. Meet you on the trail....

> I took 325 mg aspirin 4 hours apart for 2 days before, Richard did not.

He's a good Diamox candidate. This helps for me: 125 mg (half a tablet) twice a day starting at least 24 hours before going to altitude.

> and he's talking about trying it again !!!

I'm not surprised.

> was a C.I.F. cross country champion

When? Where? (I was too, once upon a time.)

As for your short stay at Whitney Portal -- some would advise sleeping down in Lone Pine the night before your hike. I think it may have some validity. Maybe try that next time, or do the two days at HM.

Don't give up--try again and encourage you brother to do it too. I think that pace is as important as acclimating. If you pace yourself too fast, it is very hard to regain your wind at altitude. Having been stopped before the top twice because of altitude, I feel your pain.

Thanks Steve C for the dosage of Diamox. 1965 Southern Section at Long Beach State AA race and a 4:13 miler in the spring. Only mention this because to be that kind of runner you have to work through pain and to a lesser degree one faces the same on Whitney. Next time we'll spend days at elevation with some hiking and the final night at the Hostel. Went by and checked it out and will stay there when I'm in the area. Take care ....