Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Doug's burgers, fries, and getting a day hike permit this Monday

Hello Doug,
I'm the guy that walked in yesterday afternoon (on Wed, May 5), while you were talking to those three that just finished the MR. Sounds like they had a great time ... 3 days, full moon, and the traverse. By the way, do snowshoes totally prevent postholing (and do you rent snowshoes)? The burger and fries were as good as it gets - thanks for reminding me to add cheese. And sorry I didn't introduce myself (Tony) ... but I was talking to one of them and when I was ready to go, you had left. On Sunday, I hope to pick up a main trail permit for Monday. Do you know, will I need crampons and ice axe, and at what point along the trail - and how far can I get without them - I'm testing the waters ... have a permit for 9/21, 22, 23. Also, I just started reading your book today. When that girl’s (who bought the tootsie rolls) friend took that fatal step off the traverse, was that when there was, or was not, snow there?
Thanks and see you on Monday

If I can add on to this thread...

Doug, I'm coming up with three friends on 5/20 and will be hiking to the summit on the main trail to the summit. Plan to reach it on the 22nd after stopping at Trail Camp on the 21st.

What's your opinion: ice axes, crampons and poles needed? Or can we get by with crampons only? This is the first time we'll be using any of these three and I've heard they're not recommended without practice. My assumption is we can test them out and learn while on flat sections.

I have heard quite a bit about the food at the Portal store. How late in the year is the store open? We will be there around the 16th of September and hope it to try some of the food.

They are usually open through October.

The burgers are da bomb. I've heard the pancakes are great, someday I will try them....

JSmith, as a general rule, anytime you would be using crampons, you would want to have an ice axe. I can think of exceptions, but not in the MR couloir. Even on steep snow that is soft, you can fall, and an ice axe may be the only way to stop yourself. On icey steep snow, going without an ice axe is a VERY bad idea.
Your milage may vary.