Well last year I went the back country route from Horseshoe Meadows to summit and down the portal. It was a wonderful and memorable 2 day experience. However, I did lose my camera last year so of course I am going back with a new camera.
Last year I found out the mosquitos in the back country below 12,000 feet were horrid. I couldn't even cook because of it. Above 12,000 feet...well, they simply didn't exist.
Has anyone been in the back country yet? With as wet of a winter as we had, I'm just going to assume the clouds of those biting bastards that followed me last year will be even worse. Any personal experiences recently?
Likewise I see the east side of Whitney looks pretty clear (from the cam). How is the back side as far as snowpack and ice? I'll ask this last question again shortly before I leave so I have a better idea whether or not crampons are even worth packing.
Thanks in advance!
