Headed up the north fork Thursday, very warm. Lots of snow but melting fast. Postholing is starting in earnest, some of them to the waist.
Took a picture of the south side crossing and even though there were some hikers and skiiers on that side I decided to stay on the north side and take the ledges. There was a big log on one of the rock areas where you climb up in the ledges.
Very warm on the climb up to UBSL. Had planned for camping at the Frog Pond/Unnamed Lake/GSL/Lake Adjacent Thor but the slope between UBSL and that lake was a mess by the afternoon so camped at UBSL. Enjoyed nice warm weather and a chilly breeze came up about sunset.
Snow before and just after sunrise was crusty so the going was good to Iceberg. Sun hit the snow about then and the gully started to get softer.
At the notch the breeze was stiff and chilly. Saw some tracks on the traverse before heading up the final 400 chute. The snow in the final 400 was crunchy with some ice in the center toward the bottom. Once over the initial rocky areas the snow climb was ok although the heat then cold then wind had obscured previous tracks a bit.
Sunny and chilly on the summit with stellar views all around.
Going down the final 400 required some extra caution, had to kick steps in places.
High in the gully the snow is soft on top with some harder icy stuff underneath. Closer to Iceberg the snow is very soft.
Coming down the north fork was soft, slippery snow, lots of water running everywhere, very warm. Going back down the ledges with the log in the way was a chore. While passing the trees on the ledges a big rock came down from the cliffs above and crashed into the bushes in the tree area of the ledges. Missed me by seconds.
Stopped at the portal and said hi to Doug (opening day at the store!) and nuwyawkfiddler. Soaked up the sun like it was mid-August. Great way to end a fun trip.
Photos:
http://s622.photobucket.com/albums/tt308/WPSMB/Mt%20Whitney%2005-05%20to%2005-06%202011/
