Whitney trip report

[Vnthali]

Awesome trip Ellen. I'm looking forward to the snow coming this year.

[Wild]

Wow, that looked amazing!!

Congratulations Ellen, I can't imagine how beautiful it must have been up there. Did you get to see any views from the summit, or near the summit? It looks pretty snowed in from your pics. I bet it was a lot of fun Good job!

[whitneyfan]

You're very daring and persistent to have continued to the summit in that weather - and going so late in the year.

For several years I had consistent luck visiting Whitney around the 3rd week of Sept and getting clear blue skies.

Then in 2007 it snowed heavily on the day of my permit. I did not even bother to leave home. I saw a trip report and photos of that day from someone else's hike that week. They went as far as trail camp and reported 3 ft drifts.

I tried again on 9/10/2008. Nice weather up until about 8:00 am when I reached Trail Camp. Then the clouds started rolling in.
By the time I was half way up the switchbacks it was raining sleet and close to zero visibility. The trail looked like your photo - covered white.
I turned around not far from Trail Crest not knowing how bad it might get, and not really enjoying the hike at that point.

I go to Whitney for the views, not just the challenge. If I can't see anything there is no point in hiking. But that is just me.

Here is my trip report of that hike..
http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic. ... highlight=

congratulations on your successful struggle.

[Hikin_Jim]

Also have had increased back and neck pain (I have seven spinal fusions -- four lumber, three neck). I'm pointing this out in case anyone wonders why my gait is so odd <g>.

Indie Jack (cancer survivor who hikes wearing two knee braces)...

You guys are my heroes. There's hope for me yet. Congrats on another summit of Whitney!

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy Whitneyfan

Love your handle, by the way

I agree that the views are one of the top reasons to hike Whitney. Jack and Joe knew ahead of time that we probably wouldn't see much from the summit. We were well-prepared -- the three of us have snowshoed to the top of San Jacinto while it was snowing and very cold.

My primary safety concern was lightning -- we were ready to turn around and hustle down at the first sign. I had very good intelligence on the conditions of the trail and expected weather from Doug (owner of the Hostel and Portal Store).

Whitney never ceases to impress. I'm glad she gave us permission to summit.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

Howdy Jim,

Thanks so much for your kind words It was an honor to summit with Jack.

I really enjoy your illustrated trip reports -- I've learned a lot about our local wilderness areas.

Your fish out of water posts are hilarious as well

Miles of smiles,
Ellen