Ok, Here it is. Five of us from the East Coast set out to climb Mt. Whitney including my wife and myself. The other three spent a few days climbing around at 10,000 + feet and that really seemed to make it easier for them. My wife and I couldn't do this due to work schedules so we showed up at the Portal (8000 feet) the night before the hike. While walking up hill from the bathroom that night I noticed how out of breath I was. I knew the altitude would be a factor at this point. Luckily my wife and I trained on the AT in Georgia so we were in excellent shape. That was one less thing to worry about when fighting the altitude.
We started hiking on Thur, Aug 14 and reached the trail camp that afternoon. The hike was incredibly beautiful and well worth it. The last two miles before Trail Camp were the most difficult. I think they were worse than the 97 switchbacks everyone makes such a big deal about.
We slept at Trail Camp and only brought our sleeping bags and a piece of plastic. The idea was to keep weight down. It did keep the wt. down, but we were cold and the weight verses comfort is still in debate. I guess it is up to the individual.
After being cold all night I was ready to get up and hike. At 3:00 AM we woke up and started hiking( to our East Coast bodies it was 6:00 AM)at 4:00 AM. My wife got sick and threw up at Trail Camp and a couple of times on the hike. Around Trail Crest I started feeling really wiped out from the altitude and my wife said she felt like she had the flu. It was about 35 degrees F and very windy, and this didn't help her feel better. She pushed on though and all five in the team made it to the summit just before 8:00 AM. (4 hours from Trail Camp to Top going slow).
The top and the excitement of making the top helped all pain go away. The rush was wonderful and well worth the climb. There was only one other person on the top at 8:00 A.M., but on our way down we passed many others (leading me to the conclusion that the crowds start to gather around 9:00 A.M.).
We moved as fast as our un-acclimated bodies could carry us and beat up knees and all made it back to the Whitney Portal by 3:00 including a stop for lunch. It started to rain as we stepped off the trail and snowed on top.
We stayed in the Dow Villa Motel in Lone Pine on Friday night, August 15. That is a really nice little place. I think Lone Pine might be the nicest place in California. Stay at the Dow Villa Motel for a good value and a nice clean place after your climb.
Summary:
70 degress ~ at Whitney Portal
35 past Trail Crest 13,600+ with Wind. Warms soon after 8:00 AM.
Best to hike 97 switchbacks in dark. We saw falling stars and couldn't really tell how far we had to go.
Make sure you acclimate for several days if you have the chance, and be in excellent shape. Bring light weight warm clothing.
Use hiking poles - helps to save your knees.
Go with friends - gives you motivation to work off of.
Take lots of pictures.
Drink loads of water starting a few days before the climb.
Scott Thompson
Georgia
