Indie Jack and other members of the San Jacinto hiking club obtained day hike permits for Whitney on Sunday September 28. Sister Sally, Miracle Marilyn and I were fortunate to granted spots on the club's permits. Throughout the week, we watched the weather reports with a certain amount of trepidation -- the closer we got to the BIG DAY
the more the weather forecast deteriorated (increased chance of snow, rain, thunder) 
We sensed forces were conspiring against us when Marilyn had vehicle difficulties -- she thought her hike was "off" and told us to drive up to Lone Pine
I changed the mascot on my pack from a Swiss Marmot to a Mountie bear. As we drove through Adelanto, we learned that the vehicle was fixed -- she'd join us on the adventure Krai, Sally and I and I had a fabulous dinner at the Merry Go Round in Lone Pine. We then met in the lobby of the Dow Villa Saturday evening to organize and sort out any other concerns Captain Indie Jack and Richard did recon on Saturday and reported cold temperatures and new snow. We donned permit tags and orange bandanas and hit the sack early for a ~3:30 AM start.
Sally drove Krai, Marilyn and I up to Whitney Portal. I was dressed in shorts and wore my wool Ice breaker Haute Route tee-shirt to amuse friends
Quickly donned my Smart Wool long sleeved shirt 
and we started up the trail. I found it difficult to hike in the dark, even with a good headlamp. On the positive side, this ensured not going out too fast. We encountered rime ice and even snow down low on the trail. I was dismayed to find that that the logs crossing the stream were covered with ice 
As I moved at a snail pace across, I heard a kind voice telling me to take my time. This is how I met Wally, a fellow member of the San J club. We passed by Outpost camp, winding our way up to Mirror lake. We had to cross several streams in the dark, which was a challenge as I'm a klutz. Once above Mirror Lake, there were several spots where route finding was difficult in the dark as the route crossed over large slabs. The sky started to lighten just as we climbed above tree line. There was also a noticeable drop in temperature, so I stopped to don pants, jacket and down mittens. As we climbed up to Trail Camp, we were suddenly stopped in our tracks by the extraordinary sunrise. My friend Krai took these photos:
We saw new snow on the tents at Trail Camp -- brr...Although we continued to fuel and hydrate, we couldn't stop for very long due to the extreme cold. I added my balaclava and looked forward to warming up on the 99 switchbacks. Didn't happen. Sally actually wore her down sweater from Trail Camp to the peak -- something she's never done before on a hard climb.
Due to the clouds, there were no views from Trail Crest. I pressed on, knowing that if I stopped at Trail Crest, I wouldn't have the mental fortitude to continue. I also needed to keep moving to stay warm. I moved deliberately, as the snow and ice made for treacherous footing on the ridge.
About halfway along the traverse, I stopped to put on microspikes. I should have done this much sooner, as they definitely made me feel more secure. After what seemed like an eternity, I reached final climb up to the peak. Another eternity passed before I reached the blessed summit hut. I signed the register, entered and encountered a cloud of marijuana smoke and steam from hot coffee
I briefly chatted with my hut mates before they headed back down to their site at Trail Camp. The rest of our group trickled into the welcome shelter of the Den of Iniquity. We cuddled to stay warm (that's my story and I'm sticking with it
, ate lunch and shared war stories. 
Once all members of our group were accounted for, we started to descend.
The clouds lifted a bit and we had a better view of the west side.
Near the bottom of the 99 switchbacks, we said "hi" to several cute marmots.
We took a short break at Trail Camp and enjoyed the clouds swirling around us.
When we passed by Mirror Lake, it started to snow, adding even more beauty to our idyllic hike. By Lone Pine lake, the snow changed to a light rain, which stopped about half way back to the Portal. Lastly, we were treated to gorgeous fall colors.
We enjoyed celebratory beverages at the Portal before heading down to Lone Pine for cheeseburgers. Sadly, many folks had to drive back Sunday night. The rest of us, including Indie, enjoyed a fabulous breakfast at the Alabama Café.
My friend Krai wrote: "A friend once asked me why I bother to go up the same mountain numerous times instead of finding new peaks to summit. I told him that each time you go up a mountain, the experience is entirely different. Perhaps it's less about conquering a peak, and more about being attuned to everything around you on that particular day. Because sometimes the morning light, the crisp autumn air searing your lungs, and your aching calves, all conspire to stop you dead in your tracks, and you suddenly glance up at a vista that you've never seen before, even though you've been there a dozen times, and then the light changes, its splendor recedes, and you realize that you will never see it again, even if you were to go up there another dozen times."
Thanks to everyone for a magical, magnificent Whitney
From the heart,
Ellen
