No arguments from me - this thread is just some brief notes to describe my Whitney day hike under given conditions, not another advise thread, which this forum is already full of.
Myself and my hiking buddy are what some more experienced of you would describe as hacks or noobs - no prior Whitney or snow experience whatsoever. Good physical conditioning, lots of determination and a modicum of caution is all we had.
Having said that, I don't think the ice axe would have done us any good, if not worse, since the chute would not be a good place to try it out for the first time. Would it be a little safer to carry an ice axe AND know how to use one? Sure. But then hiking Whitney is still a somewhat dangerous activity at any time of the year with or without some equipment. Everyone knows to proceed at their own risk.
To those wondering about trail conditions - I think if dry and warm weather persists on the mountain, the cables should become perfectly passable very shortly. Carry a headlamp even if you don't plan on hiking in the dark, as we certainly weren't.
