I appreciate the advice and you're right Whitney is not a hike for a beginner, especially as a solo hiker. I have quite a bit of experience doing long day hikes (20+ mi) to peaks over 10,000 feet, including Whitney last October. I also do at least one 8 to 14-day backpacking trip in the Sierras annually. So, I feel confident in my abilities but it's always nice knowing others are in the vicinity : )
