Whitney Mountaineers Route

[Ellen]

Howdy All,

On the Whitney board, I titled this trip report "An exELLENt adventure and lessons learned." I could also call it "the view from the back of the pack."

Last weekend, I went on a backpacking trip up the Mountaineers Route on Mt. Whitney. We hiked from the Portal to 11.5 K on Fri. Most of the group summited on Saturday. About half the group hiked out on Sat and the rest of us came out on Sun.

I carpooled up with King Arthur (Hypoxic Zombie). I've only dayhiked the MR once with Laura in the summer. Going up the E ledges with a full pack was challenging -- thanks to Nick and others for providing helpful gluteal assists along the way. The fitness level of the group was phenomonal. I put my head down and slow-twitched my way up from LBSL at the rear. Before long we were setting up camp.

I was excited to test out my brand new Black Diamond First Light tent. She just happens to be the color of lemon-lime Gatorade, my favorite sports drink. Alas, as I was cutting cord for the stakes, the wind blew my virgin tent into my Swiss army knife. Woe is me -- injured on her maiden voyage.

As soon as the sun set, we headed into our tents and sleeping bags to stay warm. The camp started stirring at daybreak as we readied ourselves for the big day. Unfortunately, my intestines had a plan of their own. Several wag bags later, I headed out at the back of the group. I was depleted and felt awful, even with a lighter pack. By the time I reached Iceberg lake, I realized that getting to the Notch was out of reach. Fortunately, Nick and Tracie stayed with me. We headed up to a pile of rocks at about 13 K and watched our group ascend into the blue.

Even getting back to camp was a challenge. I was quite nervous dropping down from Iceberg back to the traverse and took a while to get down. Nick and Tracie were very patient and helpful. I met my new friend TomCat on our way back -- he could tell I was shattered and entertained with me stories all the way back to camp. I rustled up some hot cocoa for him before he headed down and then crashed in my tent. I started having chills. Great.

I slept well but could tell I was still sick as soon as I awakened. It took twice as long as normal to pack up. Having to Wag Bag several more times didn't help. There was a moment of comic relief when I couldn't pull my ice-axe out of the snow/ice. King Arthur walked over and yanked it out easily -- replaying the "Sword and Stone" moment from the King Arthur tale.

I couldn't even go down hill with any speed. Thanks to the Wag Bags, the pack weighed the same as when we started. My new friend Nick stayed with me all the way down to LBSL. When we reached the E-ledges, we met a very kind young guy who helped us find the route down. In the snowy sections next to the ledges, I spent a good deal of time sliding down on my butt.

Reaching the "open sesame" tree was a godsend. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see the main trail. As we approached the Portal, I yelled "woo hoo" and heard the answering yells of my mountain sisters Eva and Carole. Staggered into the Portal and immediately disposed of the Wag Bags. Had a fabulous meal at the Alabama Hills Cafe before saying goodbye to my friends at the Hostel. Arthur missed the summit party so that I could get home and crawl into a hot bath and bed.

The company and scenery were amazing -- thanks everyone. I'll be back to dayhike Whitney this summer. Advantages of dayhiking -- light pack and not having to use a Wag Bag.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[James]

Ellen,

It was great meeting you after reading so many legendary TRs!

I am very sorry you did not feel well. You hike strong and I never would have known. And always a smile. Despite you being sick you still gave me water for the trip down to LBSL. You're a super person, strong hiker with great stories Ellen, thank you.

Can't wait for future adventures.

James

[tinaballina]

Pain sister, sorry the MR was Wagged Bagged for ya. Great TR and we will bag it together soon.

ps...realized there is a lot of bagging here.lol

[tomcat_rc]

Photo from camp at Girl Scout Lake(Frog Pond):



Sorry to hear you did not feel much better Saturday night or Sunday.
Nothing like mouintain time to bring people together - I am glad to meet you and enjoy your friendship.

Enjoy another version of mountain time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3UhkAkon2Y

[Ellen]

Howdy Tom

It was wonderful to meet you -- thanks so much for your company and entertaining stories as I staggered back to camp.

Would be honored to do C2C with you this fall -- just pick a date.

Howdy James

Thanks for your kind words. I look forward to hiking with you when I'm healthy.

Howdy All
Please note -- I was not contagious. I have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's). Occaisionally my gut lets me know when I'm stressed.

At least wearing pants and long sleeves hid the Jo Pond carnage. TomCat and other hikers viewed the damage inflicted by the demonic cougars one week after the attack

Miles of smiles,
Ellen
AKA Bloody Blonde Hiking

[Hikin_Jim]

Ellen
AKA Bloody Blonde Hiking

Well, I just hope this trip doesn't wind up getting a certain someone a new nickname.

Seriously though, Ellen, I admire you for even thinking about carrying a full pack up the MR.

HJ

[Rumpled]

Wow, look who just pulled his head out of the diaper bag for a few minutes!

Ellen, bummer on the trip, thanks for sharing your adventure.

[Hikin_Jim]

Wow, look who just pulled his head out of the diaper bag for a few minutes!

Ellen, bummer on the trip, thanks for sharing your adventure.

Diaper bag, WAG bag, whatever.

How ya doing, bro?

HJ

[NormaR]

Ellen,

thanks for writing a great TR of your adventure! so sorry 14,505 was not your summit, but the friendship and spirit of mountaineering you experienced over the weekend was a vertex in itself. and from what i heard, the excitement at tent city was a palpable energy that could have powered a nation.

climbing with a full pack up the Elephant's Ear and the E-Ledges then hiking to LBSL had to be a challenge for most, especially the women. but you all went further and continued on not just to UBSL but higher still to GSL. next spring you might consider adding an extra day and only hike to LBSL so as not to overly stress your intestines. next day hike to your high camp and day 3 summit. that's how i did it and it felt right for me. just a thought.

but back to you, i will always be in awe of your strength and determination. you are a machine! a machine, with a sense of humor and a big 'ole heart of gold!

climb on sister!

[bluerail]

I'm sure you and your new tent will be right back up there sooner than your thinking you will...I know you too well.

bummer about the knife attack.