And here is Part II
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
Kurt came to our tents at around 5 to wake us up and give us hot beverages. When he offered room service for breakfast at 12,000 feet, we took it! And so steaming bowls of cream of wheat with fruit arrived at our tent doors!
Venturing outside the tent was an experience because of the cold. Toes froze instantly, no matter what boots you were wearing. Cristian and I tried doing jumping jacks near the kitchen to warm up our feet, only somewhat successfully. When even Kurt, a 7-summits summitter and 3-time-Everest summiter, is impressed with the cold, you know it must be cold.
Just as I was finishing gearing up, a knock was heard on our tent door. Kurt and April joined Rosie and me inside our Trango 2 tent (plenty of room!) and explained that the winds up high were fierce and not conducive to a summit attempt. After discussing various options, the decision was made to stay in our tents to keep warm for a few hours, and then head on back to Lone Pine.
While cold, this was a very beautiful and clear morning. Some of my favorite pictures from the trip came from our high camp that morning, and on the descent.
The sun hits Whitney.
Another view of our high camp.
View of the valley from our high camp.
Kristine demonstrates tutu power at 12,000 feet
Cristian and Andrew model the latest in mountaineering wear. April and Kristine are so impressed that they tip them in dollar bills. (Who carries dollar bills to 12,000' on Whitney in winter?)
And a new era of the Rockettes is born
Time to say goodbye to high camp
Awesome views unfold
Cristian (in the middle) does a standing glissade while wearinga tutu. I am amazed.
"I see fat cells." What happens when you inadvertently curtsy while wearing crampons. April dresses the wound.
Approaching Lower Boyscout Lake, and craving calories.
Near Lower Boyscout Lake
Below Lower Boyscout Lake
At this point, Rosie twists her ankle, resulting in a minor sprain. Kurt performs a heroic pack carry. Because that's how he rolls. Total weight? I am guessing 110 lbs or so.
Finish strong!
We then went back to the hostel, sorted gear, and then the whole team enjoyed a celebratory dinner at Seasons. Wine and much beef was consumed, and much hilarity ensued. It was quite festive!
All and all, a great trip, with wonderful companions. While this normally would have stretched my comfort zone, I was so confident in the competence and judgment of the SMI team that I was able to leave my anxieties at the trailhead and enjoy the climb and relish the experience. Can't wait to go back and do it again!
