Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Another Old Guy First Time Story

Not to bore everyone with another one of those stories, but here's another one of those stories. I have been a long time enjoyer of the Eastern Sierra. My first time in the magic of the Sierra Nevada was fishing in the June Lake loop when I was 6 years old in 1963. Even then, I used to look through the pipes in the sidewalk in Lone Pine in awe at those really tall mountains when we would stop at Bobo's Burger Bonanza for a burger and malt. When I was 12 I told myself "One day you need to go up there to the top of that mountain." I spent the next 20 years backpacking all over the Sierra. Over Taboose. Over Sawmill. Over Donahue. Happy Isles to Reds Meadows. But Whitney remained the elusive goal.

Well, 40 years later that goal became a reality this past weekend when I hoisted a 35 pound pack and made it up the main trail. There were some detours along the way. Especially age and weight. I've worked hard over the last two years to drop 50 pounds and get back into shape. On Friday, along with my hiking partner, we left the Portal on the main trail with Whitney in our sights.



I found the main trail to be slower going that I thought, but managed to make it to Consultation Lake in six hours. The weather was less than ideal, but thankfully I was appropriately equipped to deal with the rain/hail/sleet/cold.



Saturday was an absolutely stunning day. We left Consultation Lake about 7:20. We slowly made our way up the switchbacks. I found that this part of the trail was easier than the trail between Outpost and Trail Camp. I set my own two feet on the summit before Noon.



I managed to get back down in one piece too, getting back to my car too late for a Moose Burger, but in good shape and in one piece about 9:15 Saturday night.

Pictures from Friday are here .

Pictures from Staurday (including the summit) are here .

Also, if you'd like to read more, I've written a more detailed report on my blog. Day 1 is here . Day 2 up to the summit is here . Day 2 from the summit down is here .

Some things I learned when I do this again next year: (1)Gels and elctrolytes: Being a marathoner, I should have thought about how much these can help. (2) Ibuprofen: Food from the gods. (3) Know your limitations. It's tougher than it looks. I made it down fine. At least one party I know of didn't. (4) The scenery is breathtaking. Especially up high. I can totally understand how people get hooked.

Did I say "when I do this again next year?" I'm hopelessly hooked. I can't even tell the wife I've already started planning.....

Congrats Glenn! Whitney stories are never boring - especially when you've accomplished as much as you have on the journey to get to the summit of this mountain. Way to go!

That "Honey, can we talk . . ." conversation sounds like it'll be interesting.

That can be your excuse for returning next year.

Glenn, congratulations on your trip. Enjoyed reading your trail report and seeing your pictures. It sounds like you had the gamut of weather. My wife, myself and another couple made the trip in early August. Our weather was much better than yours, but we did it in one day. The day after, I understand it was windy and cold. It is amazing how fast the weather can change.

When one does this trip, no matter what the outcome, it will always be an experience that will last a life time.

Bobo's Bonanza!!!!! I used to LOVE that place. When I was a kid, it was the only place we would eat on the way to Bishop and some Trout fishing. I still remember those silhouettes on the wall! I still look to see if it's there on the corner, though I know it's not. It's just habit.
Congrats!

The building's still there. In fact, the Mexican Restaurant that uses the building still uses the Bonanza name:



Bobo's was my Scout Troop's stop after a week in the backcountry. I can still taste the chocolate malts.

The family always stopped at Foster's Freeze in Bishop. Right next to the park. I can still taste the chocolate malts. (hmm - I sense a pattern here)