Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Celebrated turning 60 by summiting Whitney!!

Based in the Bay area and trained for two months by hiking twice during the week and either mountain biking/hiking on weekends. Thought I backpacked light with 3 ½ lb tent, lightweight pack, lightweight sleeping bag and alcohol stove (highly recommended). Still hauled up 40 lbs from the Portal to just Outpost Camp.

Left Outpost Camp at 5 AM on Sept 27 wearing warm clothes (it was in the upper 20s.) and carrying water & food. Reached the summit at 12:15 PM. 3 liters of water with Cytomax on the way up and 1 liter of water on the way down. Was not hungry but forced myself to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwich on an English muffin. Other food included 3 Cliff bars and some handfuls of GORP. The final traverse was the hardest. I took two Aspirin to eliminate a mild headache. My strategy going up was whenever I stopped to rest I ate a small bite of food, a slug of water and took some photos.

It was beautiful, clear, sunny, not cold or windy at the top. It took 5 hours to get back down to Outpost Camp. I had heel gels in my boots. They work and protect one’s knees. I highly recommend them. Our team lucked out with the weather becaus

THE REST OF THE MESSAGE: Our team lucked out with the weather because it has gotten about 15 degrees colder this week AND SNOWED..

congrats on a great accomplishment - I too have a late b-day(Oct 1) and am trying to make 60 for 60 - alot of factors can affect that - glad you got to enjoy - didnt see champagne on your list though?

OBH - Congrats on the summit! Great accomplishment!

If I can ask, what brand of heel gels did you use? At a "mere" 52, lately I'm feeling the beginning of possible knee wear and tear, no doubt because my hiking style tends to be a bit more agressive than average, at least in Ohio (which I'm sure is probably hard on my knees). So like you, I'm looking to preserve my knees as long as possible, and what you're doing sounds like something I should consider doing as well. Thanks.

CaT

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To OLdButHiking - Congrats on summiting Whitney to celebrate your 60th, that is quite an accomplishmnet. It sounds like you had a great time. And besides, 60 is not that old.
On August 3rd, I had a large group of friends with me, as we did Whitney in a single day to celebrate my 50th. The highlight of that trip, besides it being my 50th birthday, was the bottle of Dom Perignon champagne that I carried all the way to the summit, and shared with all who were up there with me. Hopefully I will be able to also celebrate my 60th on the summit, can't think of a better place to be.

MIchael T.

OldbutHiking, Congratulations on your summit!

Regarding knee pain, I have found two things which have virtually eliminated my knee pain. I swear, they really do work:

1. Knee straps: <a href=http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/product/product.jsp?id=PRO003&pfrc=8&sc=CDM-06172&PartnerName=Froogle&NG_urlID=9003866 target=_new>www.roadrunnersports.com: Pro-Tech Athletics Knee Pro Tec</a>

2. Glucosomine pills to lubricate the joints.

I spent 25 years running 40 miles a week as well as hiking, stairclimber and all that other jazz and my knees were shot by the time I was in my late 30's. If I sat for longer than 40 minutes, when I arose, my knees would crack so loud you could hear it in another town.

The Glucosamine truly is a miracle. Within one month of taking the pill every day the knee pain is virtually gone.

Gentleman, hiking poles. They do wonders for your knees!!!!!

Congratulations on your summit OBH!

I summited a couple days later, Friday the 29th, via the East Face on my 30th. Thought I wasn't doing too bad. Hope that I can continue to climb in the hills for many more years to come as you have been able to do.

Kenny, some people just dislike using hiking poles. I hate the clickety-clack sound they make (even with rubber dampers on them). I agree that they help your knees, no doubt. But if you're one of those who don't use the poles, the knee straps and Glucosomine works wonders!

The heel gels I used were not a fancy brand. They cost about $5 and last 1-2 years. They are available at REI, a supermarket or a drug store. Do not get gels for the entire sole of the hiking shoe. Your feet will slosh around. I also use old ski poles (baskets cut off) for going downhill, crossing streams and rocks. One can get used ski poles for $5 - $10. I take glucosamine too.

I'm 58 and did the hike for the first time on 10/10 using old ski poles in under 14 hours. I used glucosamine during training but couldn't tell if it was effective. The poles do save the knees but I my back and shoulders took a beating on the downhill leg.