I know .. not ANOTHER trip report ..
(I'll keep it brief, promise.)
Pictures at:
<a href=http://homepage.mac.com/audiograce/BACKPACKING/PhotoAlbum30.html target=_new>Whitney 2003 Pics</a>
Tuesday 8/2/03:
Cancellation permits acquired.
'Victim' ... I mean friend from SD talked into joining.
Wednesday 8/3/03:
Friend John re-routes business trip return flight to BUR - I pick him up @ 9:30 pm and we drive directly to Best Western, Lone Pine.
Thursday 8/4/03:
Early rise .. pick up permits at 8:00am sharp -
Drive to Portal for AWESOME pancake breakfast (Best deal in the Sierras!)
9:40am - Begin hike under a CLOUDLESS sky.
10:50am - While exploring Lone Pine Lake, clouds move in.
11:50am - Thunder, Lightning, Rain, & Hail force us to pitch our tent (in the hail) at Outpost Camp instead of Trail Camp. BUMMER!
Friday 8/5/03:
4:35am - Take off w/ headlamps. BEAUTIFUL night - WAY more fun than I expected night hiking to be.
9:50am - Summit, both more winded than expected, but exhilerated. 2nd summit for me, 1st for John.
4:45pm - 19 miles later, back at Portal for Cheeseburgers & Beers, which helped alleve aching feet.
(Why is it that down is so much LONGER that up?
)
5:45pm BONZAI! Back in the car for the drive home.
Lessons:
Rain Poncho - Good
Lighter Pack (28lbs.) - Good
Lack of prep time - BAD
Previous training - Good
Thanks for your indulgence,
...tg...
