First timer trip report.
Not ever being above 9K before, I knew I would need to acclimate.
8/29 - spent my first night at Outpost Camp.
I felt a little sick to my stomach, but wasn't too bad.
I tried to eat, but nothing sounded good.
I lost my sun-hat along the trail somewhere, and knew I would regret that... had to rely on my "Best Papa" baseball cap for sun protection.
8/30 - was spent at Trail Camp.
Besides being physically exhausted, I didn't feel ill at all.
I figured my tiredness was due at least in part to lack of food.
It was cold and windy that night and didn't get much sleep. Got up to pee and almost fell over when I looked up at the night sky! It was sensational!
8/31 - the switch backs were relentless. By not focusing on how many there were, they finally became history.
I was drinking alot of water, but still was unable to eat anything. One kind lady hiker gave me "shot-block" to try... seemed to help.
I finally reached the summit at 1:45.
A friendly fellow from WA took my picture while I sighned the register. I tried to eat again, but still not able to get anything down.
I found a spot on the mountain where I could make a cell-phone call to my wife... she had been waiting at Dow Villa since Sunday to hear from me... she cried.
After an hour or so, I returned to Trail Camp for one more night.
9/01 - Headed for the Portal.
I was making good time until Lone Pine Lake when I fell flat on my face. I somehow threw my back out which caused me to favor my knee... from that point on, I was really hurting.
I hobbled to the Portal - dropped my pack and ordered C'Burger, Fries, and a Beer - it was GREAT!
I turned 60 in March and retired in June.
I set this hike as my goal to prove to myself that there would be more to look forward to in life.
I am happy to say I accomplished that goal!
Thanks to all... your posts proved invaluable in helping me accomplish this goal.
