Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Seniors Group Climb Proposal

Ok as of today looks like a loosely knit group of 8 maybe 9 if Bob R. joins us. So far: me, Kevin R., jimbozoom, James C., Jackalopes, Doug Sr (Great!), wtny n1, bob d. Also possibly a Ranger. Any other Seniors welcome. Dates suggested are June 18th or Fathers Day. Think Fathers Day may be a stretch due to Family stuff. Anyway would also suggest, as someone opined, midweek like 16th or 23rd. Max light due to equinox etc. Anyhow late June better for snow melt-- looks like a ton right now. Permits? probably walk ins available rather than chances on lottery or do we collect and apply for Group permit?? Suggestions???

Either the 16th or 23rd of June works for me at this point.

I can't make a mid-June hike. But am interested in doing an August Trip, if anyone in the GS category is interested in that timing.

A midweek June hike wouldn't be a problem for me, and walk-in permits would be easy to come by. In addition, then no one would be forced to pass the collection plate.

OK- Decision Time-was waiting to see if we had anymore interest. Bob R. indicated he would join so looks like 9 plus maybe a Ranger. I checked the Solstice date - 6/21 and Full Moon - 6/26.I'm choosing June 23rd which is like right in the middle of both dates and should work for some moonglow and max daylight. There should be walk in permits available so let's go that route. We can talk more as time progresses but should think about meeting at the Ranger Station at a specific time on the 22nd and follow up with some acclimatization at the Portal Store etc. Comments requested.
John S.

It's on my calendar.

Meet at the Visitor Center at 2PM on June 22nd?

Jim, I can't make June either. But late August might work. I would like to start about 10 pm, enter the Whitney zone at midnight. Take it easy, plan to summit for the sunrise. Full moon is on the 24th. Sunrise is at 6:15 +/-. Would that fit your schedule? Lynn Holland
ps: I have had my golden age passport for 5 yrs now. Hiked Whitney 7 years ago, overnighted at TC. It was work, but worth it.

Sounds good to me.
John S.

I'm sitting on the June 23rd, wake at 4:00 side of the table. Early last July, I started at 5:00 and summitted a couple minutes before 11:00. It's kind of nice to enjoy the trail, which is easier when you can see it.

Hi We do these "kid" hikes we leave somewhere between 11PM and 1AM go very slow with many breaks and have reached the summit by 1PM the following day . So I can see many start times and the summit picture including everyone. One trip we had three groups , plan was to meet at the summit at 12 , at 12 the group from Horseshoe Meadow , the main trail and the mountaineers route all joined for the summit photo, several in the mix (m/f) were in the 60+age .Thanks Doug

Hello Everyone !

I've watched and read these posts forever and finally decided to register.
Would there be room on this "Seniors" group hike for two others in their 50's???????????? and if so is the 23rd of June the final decided date? Works for us, but just wanted to check and gear our training towards that date !
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Just Bob

I doubt anyone will be checking Geezer Passes.

June 23rd seems to be gathering momentum. Doesn't mean we couldn't do another one in late August or September.

Let me amend my earlier post. This hike was instigated by JASDIEGO, and he should do the "age screening"!

Welcome aboard! just show up-the more the merrier!
John S.

Doug- thanks for the support. Excellent!!
John S.

I've been following this thread and thinking that at age 52 I might qualify to join this "Old Peakbaggers Group" (OPG?). Then I clicked on Bob R.'s OPG link. Old or Occasional I'd like to go too, I'm putting it on my calendar.

Doug and Bob R--looks like we have 12-14 participants and receiving more interest. Based on your experience, as you two are area regulars,(and more!) do you think we should limit the group size? If so suggested number please. Thanks,
John S.

I am IN for the SGC, if I can get the time off work.

So, is it June 23rd, or are you still working on a date??????

I`d like to join the senior climb..58 and counting...Thank-you

With so many seniors on Whitney on the 23rd, should I pack my heart defibulator (no, I really don't have one)?

I agree with the various starting times to reach the summit about the same time.

Re: subgroups-goodpoint. This alleviates the group size issue as I note on the Permit Lottery App groups are limited to 15. Ok once again: we set the climb date for Wednesday June 23rd with a get together at either the Visitor Center or the Portal Store on the 22nd.We divide into groups based on start time/pace and shoot
for a 12-1PM summit time,meander back and meet at the Store for burgers etc. Sounds good to me--any other comments/suggestions please chime in!
John S.
PS: With a group this size--thoughts on whether to individually apply for a Lottery permit,group permit, or chance walk ins???