Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Monday 9/8/08 trip to summit - My Dad and Connor

My 8th time on Whitney. This trip I went solo for the first time (hiking pals cancelled out on me) via the traditional "freeway" route, leaving the Portal at 3AM. Quite a few others started at this time as well. Made the summit at 9:30 AM. Weather was clear, but around 11AM clouds gathered rapidly. On the way down, had snow, ice pellets, rain and high winds - down to Lone Pine lake. Hope other day hikers on top fared well, some did not seem to prepared for bad wx. So far no bad news has been posted. Took my time on the way down, arrived at the Portal at 4:30PM. Wonderful day, met a lot of nice folks on the trail. Will be back next year!!
I did this hike for two reasons, one for my father Harold who was an avid hiker and loved the Sierra Nevada, and hiked the Sierras extensively. He died at age 76 on 6/6/08. His last summit was Telescope Peak a few years ago when he was 71 years old. Not too bad!! I will miss hiking with you dad..
The other reason was for a family friend Connor, a wonderful 18 year old "kid" who last June had a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the chin down. For more info on Connor's story go to www.connorwatch.org God bless you Connor.. SF

glad to hear you had a great hike. how was the trail? did you need crampons or ice ax or was it all clear? we are going oct 4th so i can't wait to get there.

Hi sf,

Congratulations on your successful summit attempt. Given the way the weather developed, it was wise to summit early.

On 9/8 I arrived on the summit about 20 minutes after you, at 0950. On 9/7 from the Portal Campground we watched the weather develop on the Mountain in the afternoon and anticipated a repeat performance on 9/8. Indeed, as you noted the clouds showed up early over the region on 9/8.

I made a hasty retreat down the Mountaineers Route. A light intermittent drizzle with little wind was experienced from just above Upper Boy Scout Lake to the Portal. The light rain in the North Fork drainage actually made for a delightful descent as it kept the temperature down as elevation was lost.

Just above Upper Boy Scout Lake I had the privilege of encountering the legendary Fred Beckey and Pax, his climbing partner. They planned to climb the Fishhook on Russell on 9/9. As Fred hammered up to East Face Lake, I recalled that he is now 84 years old. Suddenly all of my (possibly) imaginary aches and pains promply disappeared!

From just below Clyde Meadow to the bottom of the E Ledges several people were looking for a lost person. I hope everything turned out ok.

Looking forward to the change of seasons, a great time of the year!

Safe hiking, Jim.

Angela, No just a long walk to the top. No specialized equipment needed for this route, it is like a freeway. Dad and Connor helped me to the top tho !!! sf