Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Hiker Rescue - August 20th

I was thru-hiking as JMT hiker from Yosemite to Mt Whitney summit yesterday and I came upon a man at Trail Junction that was being helped by two firemen, then a Ranger, and ultimately lifted out by a helicopter. Does anyone know the details that led to his critical situation?

On a lighter note, I am very happy to say that I was able to summit for the 15th consecutive year (the first time ever as a JMT hiker). It was a glorious day on the trail and the summit.

Neil:

Congratulations on completing the JMT, quite an
accomplishment, along with your 15 summits of Whitney. I too completed the entire JMT last summer for the first time. When I got to the summit of Whitney, it was also my 15th summit, though not in consecutive years like you have done. When I exited at the Portal the following day, it was my 60th birthday, so quite a way to celebrate. Had a very nice dinner that night at Seasons in Lone Pine with Doug and Earlene.

I am now starting to look for someone that would be interested in doing the JMT in the summer of 2018. I want to get one more JMT under my belt before age catches up to me.

Big Whitney Mike

From what I understand the patient had a bad case of altitude sickness.