Great TR Janet. thanks for sharing. I think you just hit a pocket of negative people. Mountain climbers/hikers as a community are usually positive and encouraging.I will have to say I ran into several who made mention that only 30% succeed making the summit. I think that those who say stuff like that is to validate themelves in case they are in the 70% that don't make it. Great job for you and your friends on your summit. You are in the elite class of successful Mt. Whitney summiters. A fine class to be a part of.