Just got back after spending 3 days at the Portal Campground with family and friends. Thanks to all for the great advice and information. The campground was great and enough can't be said about Fred and Sher who run the campground. VERY helpful and nice. We had 3 sites but were spread all over yet they found some way to get us three together. Had so much fun we stayed an extra day hiking, fishing, and just enjoying the area.
We (my son, friend/son, brother, and nephew) also summitted on the 19th despite the fact that it was really windy and cold when we reached Trail Camp. Pushed on and the weather got better. It was the first time summitting for all but me. Everyone did great and had a great time. My wife and a few others hiked to Trail Camp and back too so almost everyone in our group was out on the mountain.
Thanks again to everyone.
Ps. My 4 year old hiked to lone pine lake again this year or "Mountain Whitney" as he calls it, to fish and play by the water. He loves it up there.
