I am asking advice on the Mountaineer's Route, not because I really "want" to take it, but because I want to know what I could be in for and what advice I can get to get over my fears. My buddy, his son, my son and my stepson want to do the MR, so I feel some responsibility to go with them (and mom says so too........well, she actually said NO, but we're all old enough to make up our own minds and I KNOW she won't read this.)
As many of you know, my experience is moderate. I've attempted Whitney three times, making the summit the last two times. I've hiked San Jacinto and Baldy several times and pretty much feel I can summit anything over a normal route, trail. I'm not great at rocks, but have been getting a little better. I don't like heights, though nothing on the main trail, including the "windows" effect me at all. Most of my "rock" climbing has been the last hundred feet or so of San Jacinto. I sometimes have a hard time trusting my new artificial hip.
I don't seem to get AMS as I've never had a severe headache, just a slight headache once, after I got to the summit of Whitney.
I did a reconnaissance to the Ebersbacher ledges a few weeks back and I did not feel comfortable crossing them. The stream crossings and the rocks, trees and other obstacles were a blast. the ledges weren't. The final 400 (or 1000 as they look in photos) don't look too bad, but the ledges looked pretty easy in photos also.
My questions would be:
* How long does it take an average hiker to make the summit if they do not camp at one of the lakes? If I go, I would do the loop down the main trail.
* How extreme is the final 400?
* I didn't see the need for ropes on the F 400, but would they help?
* Exactly how far is it from the Portal to the Summit using the MR?
* Any suggestions on getting over my fear of the ledges? (I can't believe I'm asking this one....I MUST trust you!) I practice on walls and curbs, but it's not nearly the same.
* The trail from Lone Pine creek crossing to the ledges is easy.....what about finding the rest?
* If you are going to try and do it in one day and taking the ledges (and seeing) into consideration, what time would you leave?
If you can help and/or answer any questions I didn't ask, then please do so. I REALLY appreciate...Joe
"Turtles, Frogs & other Environmental Sculpture"