Puma,
I plan on doing Baldy also, my sister lives across the street from the visitors center were one of the the trails begins. She also has access to the ski hut so that might be another option.
The elevation is what I really want to work on, I am going to Mammoth and staying up high for a couple of days prior to Whitney, I want to worry about AMS. I have and do use hiking poles and they have helped alot. I tend to take my time coming down when it gets really steep.
The issue I had with Telescope was that my feet got really beat up, I have never had an issue with blisters but I got a few this time. I were smartwool socks and have Keen boots and this is the first time I had problems. I thought it would be my knees getting sore or altitude but none of those bothered me at all..
Oh well, I'll keep pressing on. thanks for the tips,
Ron
