A week or two ago I remember reading a post regarding the trail centenial and the fact that very few seem to be aware of it.
Yesterday I opened up my July issue (gift from 76 year old mom) of Sunset Magazine (NW edition) and somehow grabbed page 20 (randomly) to see some hiker standing on his head on top of a tall mountain. It looked like the Sierra's and then I read the blurb. The picture is great and the word is getting out. Below I have typed the blurb for your review.
"Outdoors Happy Trail. Every summer, 16000 hikers start (though not all finish) the epic hike up California's Mt. Whitney - at 14,496 feet, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. As they plod upward, they should thank or curse Gustave F. Marsh and the U.S. Army's 9th Cavalry, the famed "buffalo soldiers" who built the 11 mile trail to the summit that was completed on July 17, 1904. On July 16, 17, and 18 this year, the Inyo National Forest and the town of Lone Pine celebrate the Mt. Whitney Trail's centennial with a film festival, the opening of a new trailhead, and other events. Want to join the summit bound throngs? Some first-come, first-served permits may still be available through the Lone Pine Ranger Station (706/876-6200). Otherwise, enter the lottery for next season: Applications will be taken starting February 1, 2005. $15 per person for reserved permits; first-come, first-served permits are free.
www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo, 760/873-2483 (permits), or 760/873-2462 (celebration information. - PETER FISH"
ScottHiker
Oregon
