Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Best laid plans....

The short TR -- After leaving the portal at 9:45pm on Wed 9/22 for a day hike (my permit was for Thurs 9/23), got as far as the Whitney Zone sign at 11:30pm, when a severe gastro-intestinal event made me decide to return to the portal. The complete story is below. The overall theme might be "Life is what happens while you are making other plans." Be warned, it's fairly legthy and I tried to not use too much graphic detail regarding my gastro-intestinal disorder.

I had been staying at Horseshoe Meadow Sun-Wed to acclimate. Had a great time and will write up a separate TR. Moved over to the portal on Wed 9/22. Arrived at the store at exactly 11am, and it was too late for breakfast, thus no Mt Pancake. (11 is the change to the lunch/dinner menu) Had the BLT with fries, and had water from my water bottle. Set up my tent in the backpacker area. Scored a great parking spot close to the bear lockers and camp area, not too far from the TH. Even found an almost empty bear locker next to the car. Things were looking good, as far as logistics.

Walked around the portal, chatted with a few folks, decided to go lay down and take a nap around 3pm as I was still planning on getting a 10pm start up the trail. My water bottle was empty and I attempted to use the water faucet in the backpacker camp to re-fill. The water was brown. Ugh!! Went up and used the faucet near the toilets. (This may have contributed to the GI event later in the evening)

Manged to get some shut eye, although had to get up a few times to use the restroom, but I attributed to nerves and keeping myself well hydrated. Hind sight being 20-20, this was a indication something was not right. I had my alarm set for 9pm to get up and get moving. Well, no need for the alarm, as the camp area got really busy a little after 8pm. Some coming in and setting up, others returning from hiking and breaking camp. I decided to join the neighbors and got up, dressed, ate, and packed up my gear. I was debating weather to pack up everything and put it in the car or leave up in case I needed to use at the end of my day hike. Again, looking back, should have left the gear up. But at the time, I decided I would not want to be packing gear after a 16-17 hr day, and I had a reservation at the hostel for Thurs. At the end of my long day, all I would need to do after my burger and beer, would put my pack in the car and head down to Lone Pine.

Started up the trail at 9:45pm. Couldn't ask for a more perfect evening. Huge harvest moon out and bright as could be. Almost no breeze, temps had to be in the low 40's. Just cool enough to be glad I had the long underware, but did not need the fleece hat or gloves. Saw a few of the last day hikers coming down. One couple were in pretty good shape, they just left too late in the day. Took them 16 hrs, 9hrs up and 7hrs down. Meet a few others close to the TH, but the most notable encounter was a guy named Mike.

Mike was coming down after starting at 4:30am with his brother Dave. (Mike looked like mid to late 20 something healthy looking guy) We met about a mile or so before Lone Pine Lake. He made it up some of the switchbacks, but got wiped out and turned around. He was hanging out at Trail Camp waiting for his brother, Dave. Dave apperantly continued up to the summit. Mike waited at trail camp for hours, but the cold got too him, as there was a little bit of snow on Wed afternoon. Mike said he had not seen any other up-hill hikers for hours. He asked that if I see his brother Dave, to let Dave know that he went back to camp. He did not seem too worried about Dave. I didn't think too much of it. But if I saw any other downhill hikers, would ask if he had a brother name Mike, and pass on the message.

Continued on up and was really enjoying the hike. I had a good pace going, for me, the weather was perfect, everything I hoped for back in Feb when I dropped the lottery application in the mail. Looked out at the lights of Lone Pine, saw campfires down in the portal and campgrounds, had the trail to myself, the moon lighting up the granite walls, what could be more perfect?

Made it to the Whitney Zone sign, just past LPL at 11:30pm. Since technically I shouldn't be in the Whitney Zone until midnight, this was a good time/place to take a break and have a bite to eat. I had a bagel with some peanut butter, and was nibbling and looking around and tuning into all the sights and sounds. Just trying to be aware of any bears or other varmits that might want me to share my midnight munchie. I noticed a headlight comming down. I wondered if this could be Dave. The hiker was a above me, but I could see the headlight slowly moving downhill. That's about when I suddenly felt the need to use the wag bag. In fact it was a very urgent need. I was trying to get the damn wag bag out and opened when I realized it was either leave a mess in my pants or leave a mess on the rocks. I really do apologize for the mess on the rocks I left, but it was a very sudden 'event'. After that was over, I was doubled over with cramps.

I was sitting on another rock near the sign, wondering if this will pass, should I wait it out, get up and get moving uphill to work it out, or head down? I really didn't want to head down. The weather was great, I had trained, planned, was prepared, and most of all, I really, really, wanted to get to the summit. I was sitting weighing my options when the headlight I had noticed coming downhill was very close. He was stopping and looking very close at some of the large boulders and putting his face about an inch from the boulders. I was thinking he might be having trouble seeing and was trying to gauge the shape of the boulders so he could walk around them. I asked if he was ok or needed help. He didn't respond. He was getting closer to me. I asked if his name was Dave. Still no response, but he was getting closer and about 15 feet away when I asked if he had a brother named Mike. He finally responded, 'yeah, Mike's my brother.' I mentioned I had passed Mike and he was going back to camp.

That was the start of a very interesting conversation, to say the least. It was getting close to midnight and he had been on the trail since 4:30am. That's 19.5 hrs of hiking, plus the time he was up before the hike. Anyway he made the summit, but admitted he was more determined to make the summit than his physical condition should have allowed. Anyway, after chatting a while, I asked if he was having trouble seeing as it looked like he couldn't see the rocks and was using his hands to feel his way around. Dave's response was, 'I think I'm halucinating. I thought I saw people in the rocks. I wanted to see if I could touch them and get a closer look.' I asked him if the people were moving or talking to him. No, they were not talking to him, but sometimes they were moving in the rocks. In fact he wasn't sure if I was real or another delusion.

I asked about the last time he ate or had some water. He had water and powerade, and was drinking, but really wasn't interested in food. I rattled off my food supply in case something might be of interest to him. He said he just really wanted to get down. This is the moment when my next wave of intestinal cramps started and I almost vomited. The guy that is exhausted and halucinating is now asking me if I'm ok. All I could think of 'what kind of scene is this? Full moon, midnight, a little under 10k in elevation, 2 people not in the best physical condition and 2.5 miles from any type of help'.
That's when I decided to head back to the portal. I asked Dave if he would mind if I hiked with him. He seemed to welcome the offer and so off we went.

Looking at Dave's condition, it made me realize what it really meant to be hiking by myself and really needing some help, how long it could be before someone came by, and how much I could be crushing someone's dream if they needed to walk me down the trail or go get help for me. If I was feeling 100% I'm not sure I would have taken the time to talk to Dave or notice his condition. I probably would have passed on the message from Mike and continued on up the trail.

It was a very slow trip down to the portal (took me 1:45 to hike up and 2:00 to for us to hike down). Many stops, quite a few times Dave asking me if I saw the people in the rocks. Had to let him know they were halucinations. We had to go very slow over the log crossing as he was having trouble with the width of the logs. He had to use his hiking poles to 'feel' the width. I did get concerened at the water crossings. He couldn't perceive the water. He thought the ground was dry and was going to walk right through the water. It took a minute or two to convince him there was water on the trail and to walk on the rocks. I checked his boots after he crossed to make sure his feet weren't soaked. When we got back to the portal he didn't realize we were at the end. He didn't recognize the 'wood thingy' (stolen from another thread) structure.

I asked him where his camp was. He and his brothers were staying at one of the family campgrounds. I offered to drive him down. He was coherent enough to realize that he would need his car in the morning and either he or one of his brothers would have to hike up if he left it up near the TH. I suggested letting if go for the night and figure it out when he got up. He was going to drive himself down, if he could remember where he parked the car. Buy now I'm actually starting to feel better and starting to think if I could get this guy to a safe place, I might try to get to trail camp, because at this point I'm pretty sure the summit is out to the question. After a brief discussion, we came to an agreement, I'll drive him down to his camp in his car and he'll get one of his brothers to drive me back up. (I met Mike on the trail; he has another brother Adam, who did not go up the trail)

It took a few attempts to find the right camp, and if anyone was woken up around 2:30am as we drove around trying to find the right camp site, I'm sorry. Anyway, the campsite was in the 3rd campground from the portal in sight #43. So, if any of you were neighbors to Dave, Mike and Adam from San Diego and we woke you up, sorry for the disturbance. I will say it was another weird experience listening to how these 3 guys interacted with each other. The 2 brothers were asleep when we drove up. Neither wanted to get out of the tent to check on Dave, and neither seemed all that concerened that he was hallucinating. Maybe I was too concerned over a person that I did not know, but I would always be wondering if he did get in an accident and hurt himself or hurt someone else, should I have done more.

Mike eventually came out of the tent and drove me back to the portal. I was thinking I might be able to find a group or someone else to hike with for a little while as more people were starting their dayhiking adventure. As I started to walk up to the 'wood thingy' I felt the sudden need to use the toilet. I ran back across the road and made it just in time. This was the worst 'gastro-intestinal' episode of the night. After this episode, I realize that I had completed my hiking for the day. Physically, I was done. I'm not sure what is going on with my gut, but it's not something I wanted to deal with while trying to even hike up to Outpost camp.

Got to thank all from this group that gave me feedback and encouragement in my planning. Especially Quillansculpture, Bulldog34, DUG, and Steve C. I'm not sure if I will be able to make another attempt this year, but will probably start planning for next year soon.

That was a GREAT story. Thank you so much for taking the time to take care of another hiker. He was very, very lucky you were around. I know you will get another chance soon. And thanks so much for the detailed TR.

Wow! Incredible story. So glad you helped the Hallucinatin' Dave. Who knows what he would have done had he been left alone.

Please give an update on your gi condition. I am curious whether it goes away without treatment. I had a little Giardiasis issue last year (but only one "event"). After several weeks, I went to the doctor. Positive diagnosis, got the antibiotic, symptoms disappeared after a single dose. My problem was not nearly as bad as yours. Yours could be food poisoning... who knows.

Since you live close enough, you should be able to try again soon. Just remember, the mountain will always be there.

Steve,

Would it not have been too soon for any of the water-borne critters to have caused the GI illness? The immediacy of the attack does sound more like a food-related malady.

Food is what I am thinking, unless he picked up the parasites before he got to the mountains. That's what I concluded about mine. Giardia needs 5 to 7 days to incubate before anyone has any symptoms.

Wow what a story. Sounds like food poisoning to me.Glad you walked hallucinating Dave down. Who knows what tragedy might have happened to him hallucinating like that.

wazzu, dude! That just plain sucks! I can't imagine the frustration you must feel after all the careful planning and work towards this goal. Personally, I'm prone to gastro issues a little more than what would be considered normal, and what you went through has always been in the back of my mind before any big hike. You definitely get a mulligan on this one, man - there's some good Whitney karma coming your way!

Excellent job in shepherding Dave down the mountain, especially given the nature of your own troubles. Many people would have bolted for the Portal, but your sticking with this overly-exhausted, hallucinating hiker speaks to your character, and you get a big thumbs-up - you can hike with me anytime! You'll never know how you might have reacted if you were feeling fine - how you did respond is what counted. Dave's brothers can go pound sand.

I really hope you get another shot at the mountain this year before it becomes ice-specialist territory. QS is still mulling over another shot at it - maybe you guys can coordinate before the snows come? If not, there's always next year, and we'll all be pulling for you. By now - after participating in the boards - you've probably figured out that a winning lottery permit is not the only way to get up Whitney.

Wazzu, thank goodness you took the time to help Dave, he really needed your help badly. Actually,it sounds like you both needed each other. I think you should consider this entire year of training as your training for next year summit. Perhaps next year you'll find someone you can hike with to the summit. Sharing your experience with a friend is so much more rewarding. Since you're in OC, I would suggest posting a note on the Bulletin Board at REI for a companion for your MW summit. Hey, the new REI opens soon at The Marketplace in Irvine/Tustin.....this is very dangerous for me because it's on the way home from work. I can spend a bundle in REI, it's like a big candy store for me. Congratulations on accomplishing being a caring human being, you did a great job.

This churns up an interesting recent thought sequence.

I was in the Cottonwood Lakes area this weekend, and hiked along with a small group for a few minutes. One fellow, noting my INF outfit, asked about what kinds of trouble people got into--and whether there seemed to be more of it now than in the past. When I offered "More," he inquired as to why that might be. That gave me a chance to ponder a question I had not considered before.

Catch me on the trail, and I'll give you my take on it.

I would have guessed "More" to the point of wagering chocolate on it.



...adding to the list of about five now...

1) False confidence inspired by electronic gadgets. ("All I have to do if I get into trouble is push this button")

Did you carry your iPood?

I meant to add to my earlier post for future reference - that last water crossing over the North Fork can be avoided by taking the old trail down to the Portal. Take a right at the John Muir Wilderness sign, just before the North Fork, and you'll come out by the waterfall and wooden bridge near the Portal picnic area. It also cuts 10-15 minutes off the trip down. It's steep and rugged, and not really the best way to head up the trail, but it's a nice alternative to a long rock-hop across the North Fork when you're coming down tired with a heavy pack.

Bee & Steve C., Thanks for clarifying that it probably wasn't the water from the portal faucets. I had been drinking bottle water since Sun (9/19). I'm still experiencing the GI issue and will be calling the Dr. on Monday. I'm thinking any food poisoning would be cleared out of my system by now.

QS & Bulldog, Thanks for the support. You guys are the best! I'm not going to even think of attempting a Whitney summit this year until my GI issue is resolved. But, if the GI issues does clear up, the snow holds off, and a overnight permit over a weekend is available, I might seriously pack everything in the car and head up.

lynn-a-roo, You are right. If I hadn't run into Dave and his hallucinations, I probably would have kept hiking uphill. I may have been close to Mirror Lake about 3am, and that's when I was at the portal for one of the worst episodes of the night.

wagga, how do you find these things?? I wish I had a iPood. It may have helped in trying to clean up the mess I left.

I can't wait to buy my friends an iPood for their birthday. I'm with you, Wazzu, I don't know where Wagga comes up with this stuff, but I like it....it's good stuff and it's funny.

Ran into a young couple on the trail last Saturday as they came busting out the woods onto the trail just in front of me. Long story short, they had a picture of the area map on something like and ipod but did not know where they were. No GPS. No altimeter. They intended to make a right turn at a lake and go cross country to another isolated lake but did not realize the lake they needed to turn at was not visible from the trail. They made the turn at a lake about 1/4 mile later thus ending up meeting me, about one mile off course east of where they wanted to go. My hiking partner was just ahead and I called him back and he shared his 7.5 map with them and we sent them on their way. They were dumbfounded when they found out how far off course they were.

If you don't know where you are then you're lost.