@ Caleb
Great trip report, Thank you! I am impressed how quickly the Trail Crest to Summit area has improved. Do you remember what time you made it up to Trail Crest on your ascent? Your voyage of Trail Crest to Summit back to Trail Crest is the part of the trail that surprised me the most. I don't think trip reports highlight the length of time this portion of the trip takes. For us it was six hours round trip Trail Crest to Trail Crest.
As it relates to the glissade and ice axes, your story highlights an important note for future hikers on Whitney and other mountains: An ice axe leash is nearly an essential on these climbs. If you lose it on the way up you may not be able to continue. If you lose on the way down you may be severely injured or someone else may be injured below you.
I made my own leash so as to have a little extra length and flexibility and I strap to my belt instead of my wrist. As someone who works in the field of risk management, as I think about climbing, I am always thinking about situations that would cost me the summit or safe descent. Losing the ice axe is one of the top on the list, right next to forgetting sunglasses, wet socks early in climb without backup, and running out of hydration.
Great report, glad you all made it back safely!
