Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Summit-bound hikers with Disabilities

Hello from Idaho!!
For a long time, I have wanted to invite a close friend of mine to climb Mt Whitney. 6 or 7 years ago, he was in a terrible accident as an electrician. He had to have both of his hands amputated at about "mid wrist". He has some artificial "hooks" that he uses to grab things, eat, etc. From what I gather, he is getting along just fine.

2 Questions: on a great day (snow free or very near), do you see my friend running into complications on the trail??

Do you guys have stories/experiences that you wouldnt mind sharing of people with disabilities you know that summited Whitney??

Thanks!!

Once did Half Dome/Little Yosemite with a woman who had a prosthetic leg. She didn't call that a disability and neither would I: she insisted on the Mist Trail both ways. Once snow is off the trail and ice axe axe is no longer essential equipment, I don't see any special problem.

Met a fellow on Crestone Needle (Class 3+/4-),a 14er in Colorado, who had lost a hand and was fitted with an artificial hook. He appeared to be doing fine without ropes, merely grasping the rocks and cracks that the rest of us were grabbing. Do not know how having double hooks would work, but I recall the Movie "The Best Years of Our Lives " with Harold Russell. He had lost both hands in WWII and was fitted with double hooks and was not a professional actor but was cast in the movie because he was so adept in using the hooks to aid him in doing everyday activities. He won a couple of Oscars for his acting in this movie.

I suspect your friend will do fine on a climb without snow or ice, as the main Whitney Trail is Class 1, but definitely a long hike.

I think it is awesome that you would support a friend to accomplish such a feat as Mt. Whitney or any other opportunity. I know of a lot of disabled horseback riders and have seen what determination can take on successfully. Many of them have lost limbs and with the help of a trusting horse, are non-stoppable.

Here is an incredible story of one rider:

http://www.gentlehorses.com/Bettina-Eistel.htm

And here is a success story from Yosemite of a paralyzed vet who took on El Capitan.

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274149

A good quote (author unknown):

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."

GO FOR IT!...and give us a report from the summit!

I believe that if your friend BELIEVES that he can do it,then why not give it a try.