I've had a few people tell me that they enjoy my photos and trip reports, whether they're Mt. Whitney related or not. Since there isn't a 'chat' or 'off-topic' section here, maybe I should try to contain them to one thread? That way it'll be easier to remove at a later date if necessary. Here's the first one: ___________________________________________________
A bit different than my 'normal' trip report, but hopefully you enjoy it nonetheless:
You've obviously learned to value those days...I started Nathan hiking when he was about 2. He always surprised me with his ability to hike farther than I would have imagined. (For instance, hiking the mile and 700' from the rim of Crater Lake down to the boat dock and then hiking all the way back up under his own power at age 2-1/2.)
Then the great days from about age five through high school when we did multiple-day backpacking trips (Mt. Ritter when he was 5-1/2, Mt. Whitney when he was 11-1/2 and two trips to Philmont when he was in high school, plus 40 of the state highpoints over the years.)
Of course, now that he's in his 20s, working and has limited vacation time, I've lost the pack horse that I trained. Too bad but having had all those trips together created a bond between us that lasts through the years.
I look through the trip reports on my web site and mark the passing years by how tall he is in the photos. Great memories...pays to start them out in the woods, mountains and canyons as soon as you can!
Wow Chevy - now that's one detailed plan! Happy trails!
Thanks, I tend to overthink things
I’ve been extremely busy at home lately and my training leading up to my High Sierra Trail hike has dropped off. I’ve been trying to stay in shape with hikes in the local hills, as well as hitting the treadmill (30 lb pack and hiking boots, 15% incline, 2.8 mph) several times per week to stay in shape.
Anyway, here are some photos of my most recent hike(s). Short but strenuous. Click one of the photos to go to the full gallery (30+ photos):
I head up Whitney Portal tomorrow to drop off a vehicle, then we'll drive over to Visalia for the night. For those that are interested, you can follow our progress here:
Have a great adventure on the HST. I am heading that way in a few weeks and a TR/Conditions Update would be appreciated (with special attention to creek crossings, if any are not easy).
Note that the Green Shuttle in Giant Forest might not start operation until 9:00 AM on Wednesday.
I will be up at Whitney Portal tomorrow also, but heading to a different trail.
My wife and I wanted to spend some time outside with my son, but the local forecast was for 100+ degrees F. We decided to head over to San Jacinto Peak to escape the heat, get a little a hiking in, and have some fun riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tram with my son.
Here are some highlights. Clicking a photo will bring you to gallery with ~25 photos.
I got out for 3 hikes with my dog this past weekend. I'm hoping to do an overnight backpacking trip with him soon. Here's a link to the first trip report and full gallery: Mammoth Pass, McLeod Lake and beyond, August 15 2015
...and some highlights. Click on a photo will bring you to the trip report/photos:
I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this hike. One of my favorites so far. It seems like a decent acclimation hike leading up to Mt. Whitney if you're in the area: Here's a link to the first trip report and full gallery: Duck Pass, August 16 2015
...and some highlights. Clicking on a photo will bring you to the trip report/photos:
My last training hike before heading up to Mt. Langley on 8/28. It's a short hike and more of a hill than a mountain, but I'm thankful to have it so close to home. Clicking a photo brings you to the full report and gallery:
Day 2 - Other than getting on wrong use trail around lake 4, the trip to the summit essentially went as planned.
After returning to camp, seemingly took forever! We discussed the difficulty of this hike vs. the Mt. Whitney Main Trail. We both seemed to think that this route up Langley is just as difficult due to the steepness of the last couple of miles to the summit.
