Showed up at Portal with Mapman, my older son and only daughter for a few days out of the Socal smog. Hiked in Onion Valley on Sunday up toward Golden Trout Lake to acclimate a bit. Back to Portal to spend the night where I had a chance to meet those venerable men of the Mountain, Doug Sr, Gigamike and Richard P at the store. It was an honor Gentlemen. Up Monday AM and left the overflow lot at around 1000 for Outpost Camp. Went to bed with the sun around 8PM for a long night so I was ready to get moving Tuesday. By the time we stocked our daypacks we hit the trail about 0645 for the quick jaunt up to Mirror Lake and the slog of 1000 steps up to Trail Camp. Re-carbed and hydrated for a bit before hitting the switchers about 1000 AM. Re-filled the water bottles from the spring at SB 23, plenty of cool clear water here. On the way up, about SB 80 met Mr. Chou, 72 year old gentleman that was with a larger group that had camped next to us the previous night at Outpost. Mr. Chou was slowly making his way up the mountain and told me that he only had 9 days to prepare for the hike so he didn't feel mentally ready but he was out there giving it his all! Mr. Chou is my hero of the trip and a real pleasure to get to know. Meanwhile Mapman was slugging it out. I'm sure he will tell his side in another post but he was out for a personal best and first time summit. We all reached Trail Crest in pretty good shape and continued out to the summit, all four of us making it at about 1:30 PM. Got our pictures taken and signed the book before heading down. About 1000 ft down the trail here comes Mr. Chou, by now it's 2:30PM so we encouraged him on his way to the top where his guide was waiting for him. I didn't see Mr. Chou again on this trip but am confident that he made the summit. Way to go Mr Chou ! Practically ran down the hill arriving back at Outpost at 5:30PM and decided to break camp and head for the parking lot. I was the last to arrive at 8:30 PM. So we had a wonderful time with three first time successful summits, my daughter, Mapman and Grandfather Chou. As usual, awestruck by the beauty and majesty of the Mountain. Someday I get up to speed and learn how to post a picture! Until then I'll remain technically challenged.
OA
