Howdy All
I was very lucky to be invited by Laura (aka Moosetracks) to join her and Phil on the Whitney mountaineer's route Saturday, September 19. This was my first time (also Phil's). Laura is a veteran.
I read this information on the route to get an idea of what to expect (it's written by the respected Steve Larson):
http://www.summitpost.org/route/155528/mountaineer-s.html When I picked up my permit in Lone Pine, Ranger Carol told me that I was in excellent hands -- I think Laura knows just about everyone in the Eastern Sierras. I stayed at the Whitney Hostel and highly recommend it.
We met at the Portal prior to the crap of dawn and started at 4 AM. Laura's headlamp was amazing -- a few times I mistook her light for Venus. We took the main trail up to the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek (second stream crossing) and turned right up a use trail. The climb was steep and within about 5 minutes I sustained my first blood letting when I got too close to a rock )Swedish ancestry and thin skin).
We crossed a stream and encountered the Ebersbacher Ledges. Thanks to Laura's excellent direction, we traversed these without difficulty and reached Lower Boyscout Lake just as the sun was rising. We wound around the lake and then up a series of low-angle slabs. They provided great footing and were "slabulicious" (phrase courtesy of Laura). There were some entertaining ducks on the way to Upper Boyscout Lake which brought to mind Hal
We continued to grind uphill past cinegas in the cliffs on our right until we reached Iceberg Lake. Laura introduced us to lunch rock by the lake and we refueled before heading up the gulley. Laura kept us as close to the rocks as possible for better footing. I felt like a cartoon character in this section -- step up, slip back in the sand, step up, slip back, and repeat about a thousand times. I used to think the 100 switchbacks were hard. Reaching the famed Notch was a blessed relief.
From the Notch, we headed up the last 400 feet. Throughout the ascent on the entire route, Laura provided excellent guidance for hand and foot holds. She also spotted us. At one point, my left arm couldn't sustain my hand hold and I fell backwards. Thankfully, Laura caught me and I wound up nestled on my back in a rocky depression. She checked me out thoroughly before we proceded (I was more embarrased than injured) and we continued to climb. Before long, we could see the cabin on Whitney's summit.
We signed in (I added a little blood to the register page for good measure) and had our second lunch. The temperature was perfect -- light breeze and good visibility. Laura broke out the ritual moose antlers and anesthetic beverage and we celebrated. I toasted Laura for her route finding, entertaining company, rock climbing guidance, and rescue.
Sorry to say, we did have to come down. Fortunately, it was via the main trail. We tried to make it to the Portal Store in time for Doug's famous burgers but he had stopped cooking early that day. We had a late fast food dinner at the Whitney Hostel and sadly said our farewells.
Thank you Laura for an incredible day and for making a dream come true.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
Laura's pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosepics621/sets/72157622421787734/ Phil's pictures:
http://quandary98.smugmug.com/Hiking/Whitney-MR-2009/9711476_WvHFD#656754540_j3vft
I admire those such as you who go back down the MR. I was fortunate to have a great guide 
