Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Trip Report: Seven First Timers

Hi,

We (three 56 year olds and four "kids" ages 23-30) made our first attempt of the Mt Whitney day hike on Aug 6. We started at 1:30AM under a bright moon - the moonlight reflecting off the cliffs was amazing. We made steady progress until Trail Camp when one of the group turned back due to AMS. He was the only one not on AMS meds. At Trail Camp, we ran into a 70 year old Japanese hiker that was just completing a solo hike of the JMT!

The switch backs up to Trail Crest wiped me out physically, but I did get a second wind mentally when I made Trail Crest! I was still very tired all along Trail Crest (took me three hours) but I did make it to the top! Met up with the five remaing group members and we headed down. Although it was the same trail that we were on in the morning, it looked different as we went down in bright sunlight.

Doug T gave us some advice "go slow and easy". We were successful on the slow part but missed the easy part. We had 6 of 7 reach the top and back. We were all very tired but very happy and pleased. We all agreed that we would never do it again but by the next morning, after pancakes, we were starting to change our minds.

While the hike itself was unforgettable, listening to all the stories at the Portal was very inspirational. We met two sisters (12 and 14 years old) that completed the entire JMT. Met a woman that completed a solo JMT hike - lots of positive energy at the Portal,

Thanks for all the very useful info!
Bay Area Doug

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUMMIT!

How is the person who suffered AMS? Did they have difficulty descending alone?

Yes...I agree about the energy at the portal...it's always so uplifting and inspirational at the store being around other hikers and the locals who stop by to have lunch or a brew while visiting with Doug and Earlene and Doug Jr. and family. Doug Sr. always has good sound advice...I bet he was happy you listened to him....I bet some people dont listen to him and they're the ones who end up in trouble and needing SEARCH & RESCUE.

I hope you had The Portal Store's famous burger & fries upon your return to the portal.

Thanks;

The person that had AMS was fine. We did have the burgers/fries and they were great! I talked to a JMT hiker that didn't complete his hike (due to injury) but was there to pick up his buddies. I said "too bad you were not able to complete it with them". His response was great - "it is OK, gives me a reason to come back next year".

I have been reading this message board for months - a great source of info! I am thinking of the High Sierra Trail for next year.

Doug