Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 10 Year Olds Alec Parker and Zac Roberts "SUMMIT"

Hi Doug and all on the message board,

My family and I have been coming to Mt. Whitney for 11 years. I summitted 8 years in a row when my son, after 5 summits, suggested that we try to get the grandkids up the mountain. Two years ago, with 11 year old granddaughter Maddie, and two grandsons, age 8, we went to Mirror Lake and fished, but stopped there. Last year on July 19 it was just me at age 61 and Alec at 9 years. We camped at Trail Camp and went about 2/3 of the way up the switchbacks. Alec was tired and I was concerned about the worsening snow conditions. We turned back; with no regrets.

This year my son Bill, 42, and his son Zac, now 10, along with Alec, my grandson from AZ, also 10, and myself now 62 summitted Mt. Whitney on July 18 at 2:00pm. We spent July 17 at Trail Camp, summitted the next day and then another night at Trail Camp. Both nights were very windy and cold. We walked out Thurs the 19th starting at 6:30am from Trail Camp to cold windy conditions and dark clouds.

I am so very proud of my two grandsons for summitting and my son for his leadership in helping the boys. At any time they wanted to turn back I would have been happy to return with them since I was the one slowing everyone down. I am still trying to comprehend this great event in their young lives. Our whole family is extremely proud of their accomplishment.
Thanks,
Bill (Mtn.Dreamer)

HiVery pround of the group for your effot getting the kids in shape and not rusing the last few years. See you in thge winter! The Portal Crew

Congratulations to all of you! We were on the summit at the same time, & one of your boys used our cell phone to call his Mom & Dad with the great news of his accomplishment. Kudo's to Dad & Grandad for their patience, support & encouragement. As they get older, I know these kids will look back with great pride & appreciation for the experience you gave them. We also would love to get our grandkids up there, but @ 68 & 69, not sure we can keep doing it long enough to get 'em there! Were you part of the group with the green bandana's?

Yes, we are the group with the lime green bandanas on our backpacks. This summitt was dedicated to Addie Parker (Alec's little sister) who passed away last August, at age 4, of undiagnosed juvenile diabetes. Type one diabetes is a silent killer of children. In most states children are not checked for this until they go to school. A simple blood test can identify this disease and save childrens' lives. Our family and all who knew this beautiful child have been devastated by her passing. We encourage everyone to have their children tested.

Our heartfelt condolences to all of you for your loss. Addie would have been very proud of each of you, I'm sure! Getting the word out about juvenile diabetes is a wonderful way to honor her. Because of what you have done, another family may be spared the pain of such tragedy. Courage & strength to all of you!!

Mt. Dreamer, randuf (My fellow Calimesa friends),

Great story and super stuff! I, along with my wife no doubt
saw and probably spoke to you and yours on the trail. Being from Yucaipa,
rental house in Calimesa, U of Redlands masters program, etc......
It's such a great community on the mountain and everyone has a story
or challenge to talk about. My wife is 4 months out from a full hysterectomy,
and made it all the way to Trail Camp. Didn't want to risk a summit run
after the windy/cold night on the 19th and not much sleep to boot. Needless to say, I made a push starting at 2:30am and and was the first to sign the log at the Hut on sunrise, 20 July. Had the whole place to myself for what seemed like forever. As I knelt down and thanked our Heavenly Father for everything he's every done for me, I couldn't seem to hold back the rush of tears another successful summit on the top of America meant to me. I couldn't wait to get back to Trail Camp as I ran down the 99 switchbacks to hug and kiss the wife I missed up on top. Yes folks, we are awful lucky to be is such a beautiful place like the Mt. Whitney Zone day after day and have loved ones who support each and every step on whatever OUR mountain might be.
See ya at the top!
Be Prepared!!
Felipe de España

Thank you, Doug, Barry and Lynda Randolph, & Felipe;
My grandsons' summit will stay with them a lifetime. We had three generations standing on the summit!

Thanks Barry and Lynda also for the use of your phone and your kind words. My son's phone had lost power.

The loss of a child is hard to understand and though her organs saved many lives, we will never know why this tragedy happened.
Yes...Mt.Whitney is a special place, but the people, now that's what makes it a great place. Doug and Earlene, at the portal store, who freely give of their time to anyone who wants to talk. The kindness of strangers on the trail wishing you well, telling you to hang in there..you're close now..don't quit. And the people you are able to encourage along the way!!!

The energy I feel at Mt. Whitney and the portal reminds me of a college town full of hope and excitement.

A few lines up from my name on the summit register was signed by Danny Westergaard of Palo Verdes, CA. He wrote: Badwater 135 plus summit start Mon 8AM finish Wed 1:40...53hrs 40mins. We did see three of the Badwater Race runners on the top that day. How incredible to run the Badwater then continue to summit Mt.Whitney!!!

Mt. Whitney is truly a special place and summit or not, it's the trying that counts.

Mtn Dreamer

Bill, congratulations on the family summit. That is an amazing accomplishment and you and your family should be proud!

I arrived on the summit a little before 8:00am, and like you, was surprised to have the place to myself.

Congratulations to all the summiteers.

RichardP,
Sorry I missed you. Would have been nice to meet the one and only,
YOU! Did you happen to see the family of 4 from Orange County. Mom,
Dad and two teenage daughters? They were getting to the Summit Hut
from the last turn as I was departing. Anyways, good on you partner. Keep
up the good work.
See ya at the top!
Be Prepared!!
Felipe de España

So sorry for your loss of your granddaughter. And congratulations for having 3 generations on that mountain at the same time. That is quite an accomplishment.

Our daughter, also 4 years old, summitted Whitney recently, in stages. I couldn't be prouder. She hiked 20 of the 22 miles on her feet.

Hooray for bringing kids outdoors and letting them enjoy nature

Hi Mtn Dreamer,

Congratulations on your wonderful experience, I can only imagine how much summiting Whitney with your 10 year old grandsons ment to you.
Reading your report was of particular interest to me because in August I will be taking my twelve year old grand daughter on her first Whitney day hike.
I must admit, despite the fact that she is hiking 15/20 miles in training and also attends rock climbing classes, that I still feel anxious about the event. I guess, as you have pointed out the objective is for them to enjoy the experience of the Whitney environment and not necessarily to reach the summit.
I am encouraged by your post and am looking forward to our Aug 21st trip. Whatever happens if we have half as much fun as you did the day will be one to remember.

Phil

Wow Outdoorsy,
Congratulations on your summit and your "4" year old daughter's summit. That has to be a record for the youngest child to summit!!! WOW,WOW,WOW, Amazing

Phil B,
I am sure your daughter will be fine. I have never done a day hike of Mt. Whitney, always spending at least one night at Trail Camp. So I can't really advise you on your day hike.
But my experience would say;
1) Try to arrive a day early and hang out at the portal to help climatize.
2)Get an early start
3)Lots of breaks
4)Drink a lot of water
5)"Eat your way up the mountain" lots of snacks
6)Bring an extra pair of socks(wet socks cause blisters, especially when going down)
7)Children are really strong, but it can be hard to keep them motivated. I helped a guy one year, who was ready to quit, by telling him about signing the summit register. He did summit!
8)Hiking Mt.Whitney is as much,or more mental than physical.
9)Breathe, exhale like trying to blow out a candle, this really helps us!!
10)Have fun, take lots of pictures
11)Check out the "sky pilots" (flowers that only grow above 10 or 12,000 feet)
Good luck and good weather
Best Wishes
MtnDreamer

Phil B,
I meant to say grand daughter!

Great advice Mtn Dreamer, thanks.

Phil