Jonathan,
That is exactly right. Our preference was to start at Kearsarge, but that option wasn't available. On the map, Golden Trout and Kearsarge seemed next to each other and I didn't realize that there isn't a trail connecting the two.
I am assuming the train from Kearsarge to Whitney is a well maintained one and one we can attempt w/o any x-country experience?
We don't have a lot of experience hiking in ice/snow either (I have done Angel's Landing in December with spikes and I did fine there...so if this is anything like that, I think I will be fine). But never done a hike through snow/ice carrying a 65/75 L pack.
Thanks.
Avi
