Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board WHITNEY MR/MT 5-31-08

At 22-plus hours, this one almost exceeded day hike status, but was fun and exciting nonetheless!

Norma, Robin (AKA Ranboze), and I hiked up the Mountaineer’s Route and down the Main Trail on Saturday, May 31 in perfect weather. Norris was supposed to have joined us, but got back late and tired from his reconnoiter trip up to Trail Crest, and opted for sleep instead.

Considering that this was Robin’s first time in crampons and Norma’s first MR, they did an extremely commendable job of persevering through the often less than desirable, and at times scary, conditions.

A special thank you must go to Ryan and the others (I’m sorry, I can’t remember your names) at Trail Camp who, when they saw us descending the chute in the evening, came up to meet us with hot tea and brought us to their camp for a hot meal. While we ate, Ryan pumped water to top off our bladders and then got us back on the trail. These guys really epitomized the sprit of brotherhood and mountaineering. Ryan works in the climbing department at REI Santa Ana, so if you’re ever in that store, buy a ‘biner from him or something

Pictures and narrative are here .

Dave

Allow me to be the first to congratulate you! Big time congrats!!! This is one I wish I could have attempted; would have been my speed. You guys did great. Loved the pics.

Best,
MC

congrats on making it back down. i was the guy with the hot tea - glad we could help you guys! sounds like a great adventure and a looooong day.

Great job, great pictures!!! Thanks from a working guy.

Rbuchwald, Ryan and all the other goodhearted Trail Campers,

I felt blessed to encounter hikers as gracious and helpful as you were that evening. The hot mint tea warmed the throat, the backpacker meal nurished our tummys, the filtered water kept us hydrated on the way down and the kindness you all showed us exuded compassion that made the mountain even more beautiful.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
John Muir

We did! Thank you.

My pix should be up tonight.
Norma

Great pictures and great job getting up and down the mountain - I'll bet it was difficult with that new snow, but I'm sure it was a really rewarding day out in the mountains at the same time.

the snow of the recent storm added beauty beyond words though the deep stuff increased the time it took to hike through it. but all in all this was a hike of EPIC proportions!

my first ascent of the MR on a day of incredibly good weather with two incredibly good hiking companions!

thank you Dave and Robyn for making this a hike to remember! now that my leg muscles have softenend up a bit i am again sporting the ear-to-ear grin i had at the notch and the summit.

Woo Hoo! We did it!

my pix are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ryan.norma81/MtWhitneyMountaineerSRouteDayHike53108

Norma…big time double whoo hoo!!! A climb of challenges, unsurpassed beauty and a meaning of the “true spirit of mountaineering”. What a memorable adventure!

Your photos are unbelievably stunning (love the self shadow)! Look forward to seeing you again!

Inspire on!
MC

Norma you are the BOMB! You looked in total control all the way. Very Good for you... Kurt just may be looking your way for a new SMI guide :-)
Ron

Yeah Ron, i can be a guide of his geriatric clients! Metamucil anyone?

Seriously, thanks for the Woo Hoo!

MC you're the BOMB!! you are always cheering everyone on. what a good sport! ready anytime to hike with you again. enjoy a summer hiking in the PNW.

Nice photos Norma! Way to go you 3!

I know it makes for a really long excursion, but next time I'm gonna go light and fast instead of hauling up camping gear. My body cant carry 47lbs like it used to - I'm still sore!

Also, I bet those pancakes were delicious!!!

-Roberto

Wow, great photos and congratulations! Maybe someday I will make it to the top.