Hi,
I've been watching the board and weather forecasts, and am getting the impression that the first big snowfall hasn't yet occurred on Mt. Whitney. How deep is the snow along the trail?
Having day-hiked the summit in Oct. of '07, was thinking of doing a similar trek, except just to trail camp, later this month. If the trail to that part is clear, there should be some awesome photo ops along the way. I don't think I could pucker my way thru the area past the cables without crampons and ax, of which I have neither (It was quite dangerous and scary to be there with just my Yak Trax last trip). It will be a solo trip, just me and SPOT.
I live in Ohio now, moved from San Diego a few years ago, but miss the mountains. It would be a wonderful trip, if practical.
Oh,..lastly: How far up the portal road can I expect to go, if the big snow doesn't happen by Dec. 20. I ride motorcycle, with gear strapped on, as I did last year.