Hi Steve,
I went up the Main Trail yesterday, Sunday 10/20. Conditions for hiking have improved markedly since the snowfall 12 days ago.
I wore trail runners which were quite adequate for me. Hiking poles were really helpful. I carried crampons (just in case), but never even considered putting them on.
There was was good weather and a stunning full moon.
Patches of snow and ice were encountered from the TH to Trail Camp. The ice was easily avoided, given that it was recognized. From Trail Camp to the Summit was a mixtue of welcomed powdered snow and dirt on the trail. When there was snow there was an easy track to follow. The cable area was in good condition. No lakes were frozen.
Interestingly, due to the light amount of residual snow, the old Mt Whitney Trail above Trail Camp was nicely outlined.
Had a nice chat with Ranger Brian out in the field. Sorry I just missed Bob Rockwell at the TH.
Said farewell to Doug Sr and the Portal Crew for the season.(Sorry I missed the Potluck and evening hike Saturday night, but I drove seven hours that day, and thought it best to hit the sack at the Portal Walk In campsite at 7 pm to get some rest for the hike the next morning.)
The bathrooms are open. The water facet in the picnic area in back of the pond is working.
Hope you can make it up the Mountain soon.
Jim F
PS: I negotiated the trail above Trail Camp in the most favorable part of the day. Things could get ugly up there when the sun is gone and the temperature drops. The summer is gone.
