Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mountaineer's Route Sunday the 18th?

I haven't summited in two and a half weeks, so am having withdrawal pains. I'd like to go up the Mountaineer's Route and down the trail. Start around 5 AM, so camp at the Portal the night before. But I'm in a bit of a quandary because I don't have a permit. And I can't get away in time on Saturday, for a walk-in permit, before the Visitors Center closes.

So I thought, I wonder if one of my many friends on this board plans a similar adventure, and could add me to their permit when they pick it up? (Actually add two because I have a partner.) In return, I'd entertain you well for the day.

I know the Forest Service frowns on strangers asking to join parties in this way--technically it violates the intent of the permit process--so I'm limiting this request to people I call my friends; but that is a whole bunch of you! We would bring back a recent conditions report, and the FS always appreciates that.

I won't be there until the following weekend, but you might have some luck on a walk-in basis.

BTW... let me know how your trip goes. I'd really like to know what the conditions are like up there. See the thread for "Mountaineer's Route" posted last week.

Good luck on your trip! I hope it works out for everyone in your group.

Hey Bob,

I was planning to pick up a day permit on Sat and do a solo MR on Sunday the 18th. So I can add a few names to the permit. Shhh.... don't tell anyone.

I'll be sleeping at the Portal on Sat night in a White RAV4.

Sound OK?

Cheers,
Rick Graham

Rick: We'll look for you Sunday afternoon. Cori, Mike, and I may well be playing on Candlelight. Pah-tee at the Portal?

Bob, I have something for you as well...

-L

Hi Bob.

I went up the MR yesterday (Friday). The Rangers just left my day use permit in the lock box Thursday night. I just picked it up on my way in from RC Friday morning. I started the hike at 0530 and got to Iceberg Lake around 1000 (deviated a bit from the route by ascending the class 3/4 rock above Upper Boy Scout Lake (great views though)). Anyway, the reason I'm writing this...by the time I got to the base of the couloir, it was post hole heaven (or hell!). I tried jumping rocks as much as possible, but couldn't avoid being up to my thighs in the stuff. I decided to stop there (since I was alone and it was getting warmer - I know how it can be a bowling alley in there). I also was a bit worn from the post holing, so I took an hour nap. I then descended to Girl Scout Lake and headed up to Thor and down the Main Trail. Snow everywhere else was consolidated. I never had to use my axe/crampons/trekking poles (decided that I don't like them anymore)/helmet once. Also, I got asked by some Rangers at Outpost Camp if I had my permit. They did not ask to see it though. They were really friendly guys.

How fast are you planning on going tomorrow...esp with Rick! Maybe I'll just start earlier and find you guys. Hmmmm...
There was one other person on the MR yesterday. He started earlier than me as he woke me up when he was coming down the couloir. Good thing, I probably would have slept all afternoon. The weather was perfect. I think I saw a Viper too.

On a side note...I am taking some of our AV-8B Harrier pilots (USMC) + VX-9, VX-31 pilots/folks up Whitney in June. Looking for someone to help me out. I may end up having a group of 10. PM me please. OOH-RAH!

EDIT:

I just spoke with the Ranger Station in Lone Pine. They only drop off permits in the overnight box if they are reservations ($15). Looks like an error was made on my behalf. Walter (at the Ranger Station) told me they like cookies...and we all know how much I enjoy leaving cookies around the area! So Walter, I promise, I'll bring some by the next time I'm in LP during business hours!

That was me coming down the MR. I saw someone napping off to the left as I descended; must have been you.

It was great to get back to the Sierra for an MR dayhike on the 16th. Didn't encounter snow until just beyond LBSL. Glad to have the the 5:00 a.m. start to avoid postholing on the way up. Took crampons/ice axe. Summited in just over five hours. On the way down the snow had softened up, making for a nice glissade back to Iceberg lake. Some postholing on the way back down. The warm temps are melting the snow quickly, the streams are gushing. Iceberg and UBSL are still frozen. Had the obligatory portal burger and beer back at the TH. Pix later.....