Now.....(my own point of view)
Personally, I was introduced to the old trail last year and took it because Barb, Gary's wife had used it with a good reason. She wanted to bypass the water crossing because her young daughter and her wanted to wait for Gary and me to come down the trail. Those two went up the old trail and waited a bit up the trail for us after our summit. Barb was shown the trail by Betsy because she knew Barb had concerns about crossing the creek with her daughter, who wasn't comfortable with water at the time (she's a PRO now).
The reason I crossed (repeating what I said) is because it was new, my friends had a concern for their YOUNG daughter and yes, it was kind of a fun thing at the time. Maybe I'm alone at this, but why is everybody wanting to do the old trail, something very few people used a couple of years ago? Personally, I like going through the Wooden Structure of the trailhead because it feels more like you are starting at the "right" place....the beginning, and kind of a neat start with the structure, the signs, the people weighing their packs, pictures taken, etc.
And, I have a big concern about "newbies" trying to FIND the old trail. Just what is needed on Whitney.....Doug, Miles and Amy searching for more people who couldn't find their way, the rock, etc. I mean, even Tom, who has lots of hiking experience was man enough to admit, wow, I got lost trying to find it. As I read the questions from people who have never hiked Whitney on "how to find the trail", "where do I turn", what time of morning will I reach the rock".....it scares the crap out of me!!!!! If you've never hiked Whitney before, maybe you should start where everyone else is starting, cross an extremely easy creek to cross at this time of year......and follow the headlamps up. It's safer, easier, about 1/2 mile longer(appx.) and MUCH less chance Doug and the guys will be pulling off some ledge in the middle of some willows.
Opinions?????
"Turtles, Frogs & other Environmental Sculpture"
