Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Aug 12th Hike (SD Crew)

Our group of 30 from San Diego departed at 2 am yesterday 8/12 for a one day hike to the summit. Despite one case of the runs and altitude sickness, everyone made it up and down safely. My dad and I made it back to the trail head at 6:15 last night. We both agreed that this was the most difficult and exhilarating challenge of our lives and worth every moment.

The weather was perfect. From 2 am till dawn, it was pretty warm and the full moon illuminated the cliffs as we hiked up the trail. It was very cool to see Mars at 9,000 ft too so that helped lead the way. During the day there wasn't a cloud in the sky but at times it was windy and chilly. I definitely recommend a windproof jacket (gortex), pants and of course layering for anyone attempting to climb in the next day or so. At times I wished I had some gloves. Also, I wore a visor and my scalp got burned.

I know this isn't the Oscars but I wanted to give a couple quick shout outs..
*Dad, you are amazing! Thanks for taking this on with me, I couldn't have conquered the summit without you.
*Thanks to the SD crew for making this so special and to Corky for organizing the trip.
*Thanks to everyone I met on the trail and especially those climbing down for your words of encouragement. I found that "you're going to make it" is much more effective than "you're almost there" which made me want to shoot myself every time I turned another grueling corner or switchback.
*Thanks to whoever created this site and the boards. We all found your posts, old and new, entertaining and extremely educational. I would recommend them to anyone climbing Mt Whitney to get the latest on weather conditions and hot hiking tips.
*Lastly, thanks to the Whitney Portal Store for the most incredible cheeseburger and fries I have ever had.

Until next time (I can't believe I'm saying that) take care of our mother earth and enjoy the mountain!

~k

oh yes --- All of the sporting goods stores in Lone Pine were out of trekking pole rentals. But, like previous posts suggested, they do sell a decent set for $42.95 at the Whitney Portal Store

Hey Kristin, I'm glad to hear you all made it; Congratulations!
By the way, are you the same Kristin that I briefly spoke with on the lower switchbacks where I was filling my water bottles and I suggested this might be the last reliable water source?
Greg

Hey, wasn't Current7 in the group from San Diego? And wasn't she going up on August 12? Where is Current7? Why haven't we heard from Current7?

Actually, Current7 was hiking on the 12th. I talked to her whilst munching my fries at the Portal Store on the afternoon of the 11th, after my hike. She said she was going to try to get to the summit within 8 hours and was very positive about the climb. She didn't want to talk about the whole situation on this board, but it was obvious that her feelings were hurt. I have not heard from her since, but hope everything went well for her and her friends on the Big Rock Mountain.
Andreas

Hey Gregg! That was me on the switchbacks. Thats so cool that you remember me. How was your hike? You were on a good pace. Did you have enough water

Current 7 wasn't on w/the SD crew, sorry folks.

Here is a pic of my dad and I just below the summit hut. This was the most exhilarating moment in my life.

http://tinyurl.com/kell

~k

Hey Kristin!
Sorry for the LATE reply, but you know, too many times this board has been down in the last few weeks.
Anyway, yeah, my hike up Whitney was great! I really enjoyed the view and feeling I got from summiting.
I'm planning on doing it again next year, but from a different route.
Greg