Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Kudos.

Imagine my delight (many don't have to imagine: you've been there)in finishing my JMT through hike last week, poundng down those last twelve thousand switchers above the Portal to find the Store open, Doug on the job and burgers on the grill. Since my last visit two years ago, I had heard stories (I thought even an announcement)of retirement. But nope, there he was, smile of recognition and greeting, refreshing beverage at the ready, and yep, a coupla stories I had never heard. One had to do with the effective procurement of transport vehicles during a storm and flood crisis, I believe, but I'll let Doug tell you that one on your next visit.

In the intervening two years, there have literally been fires and floods, and a lot of other events, and I have followed many of the narratives here. Doug and crew have been there for people, providing support that could come from nowhere else, and by all accounts, taking it all in stride.

Not the least of the support Doug and his crew provide is just having a hiker friendly place to set it all down after descending 6000 feet over 11 miles. That is not to be underestimated: from beginning to end, there are half a dozen points of contact with civilization and support along the JMT, and they are not universally welcoming. None, however is more so than the Portal Store. Its a place of refreshment, renewal and reunion: I was able to enjoy my bacon cheeseburger with a number of new trail family and old. I was also offered a ride to the Hostel in Lone Pine before I even asked for it: a young couple on their way down had herd me say about two words about getting down there, and boom, we were loading my gear and heading down. No thumb required.

The Portal is that kind of place, in good times and bad, mostly because of the presence of the Store and the people who who work there.

The Hostel, BTW, is an extension of the same welcoming support. that's another whole chapter I hope to write soon, but for now let me say, it is the place to stay in Lone Pine.

I can understand Doug wanting to retire at some time, but for now, while he and his crew are there, I am very grateful to have those particular boots on that particular ground. Its not just a comfort: its important support that I can't imagine could be provided in any other way.

Thanks

Hi Thanks Salty for the kind words Earlene, Maura, Ava and Akichow had dinner last night talked about thier great trips but just before we closed was able to talk with Jim F about a short cut down to the Kern he knew about. So we share the same place on this journey yours might be the travel and ours the stop be we all are on the same ride.

Summer is like a family gathering we see so many old friends and meet new ones every year, Someday the book of the rest of the story.....

Thanks everyone for making this another great summer and keeping the rescues to a very low count The Portal Crew

Beautifully said, SD. Absolutely captures what I experienced yesterday at the end of an HST journey, and the mix of emotions I am experiencing as I ride EST south for connections home, with calm and time to ponder the last week. The generosity of Doug and the Portal crew moves me every visit. And the stories!!!!!

Hey, SD, great meeting you on the trail three weeks ago. My freak flag, that you gave me, is still dangling proudly from my pack!

I would also like to add my thanks to Doug and the Portal crew as well. They are part of the mountain.
It was good to climb with Doug and Karin on Baldy in December, to see Doug again at the Store in August, and hear about the Saltydog and Akichow trips.

As usual, I like to add a quotation:
The impression made by his companions is the single biggest element in a man’s memory of such a party, bigger than the mountain itself.
Wilfrid Noyce, South Col page 15

Here is our group in August with Doug:



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