Last month I turned around above Iceberg Lake due to fresh snow conditions. This time we were going to the top. Conditions were perfect and we made Iceberg in a little over 4 hours. After a quick snack it was time to push up to the notch. We went up the left side and the snow was minimal until we crossed over into the chute. But still we got to the notch in fairly good time.
At the notch we were a little surprised and concerned to find fresh snow in the final 400. There was a layer of snow 2-3 inches over everything. I suspect a few days ago the boulder sections were dry - but not Saturday morning. There was just enough snow to make things slick, but not enough to sink an axe or crampons into. Sierra Gator and I debated several times as to whether to continue or turn around due to conditions. In the end we decided to give it a go. Partway up we knew there was no way we wanted to descend this way also with no ropes for protection. We started left, then crossed to the center, and finally kickstepped to the right and scambled in snow covered boulders.
We summited finally around 12:30pm with very few people on the summit - especially for a holiday weekend. This was my silver hike as it was my 25th successful summit of Whitney. I guess I won't make 50 by 50 but maybe 60 by 60. It was a beautiful day on the mountain.
We took the main trail down which included a nice glisade down from Trail Crest. Another afternoon storm brought some light snow on us while we were on glisade. If the temperature had dropped another 2-3 degrees I bet that glissade would have been icey. We walked out and were out in plenty of time for burgers and beer.
other notables:
Found a Nikon Camera above Trail Camp - it's owner had left a note at the Portal Store - so camera is safetly headed home to owner.
Met Bob R. on the way off the mountain as he was headed up on Saturday.
Met Quinten, Brian, and Alex on Saturday in the North Fork. They decided to abort their trip when their partner took a fall and a gash to the head. They were escorting him down. Sorry you guys had to cancel your plans for a summit bid. Hope he is doing ok.
Sierra Gator had sliced his knee open during the week so he was hiking slower than usual. I appreciate him doing that so that I could sort-of keep up with him on the hike. That is what good friends are.
Thanks to Doug for hospitality on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday while we were in town.
It was a pleasure to meet Mrs. Ashcraft and the kids. I cannot think of a more fitting response for this Memorial Day.
fresh snow on the boulders of the final 400
silver summit shot
met some guy on the way down the hill
rest of pictures 
