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Hi all,
The old fat guy is going to try and the stroll up the mountain again, this time with a new knee. More about that ordeal later on. What I need to know is the conditions of the cables. Has anyone been up lately?
Please let me know,
All the best,
Over the Hill Bill
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Bill, here's an excellent report on the cables from 7/2 by TheGiantMan - video and photos. Looks reasonably manageable by the 11th, with continued melting.
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We went up the MR today and down the MT. We had minimal snow to deal with on the way up and did not need crampons. Only one small section above Iceberg(maybe 200 vertical feet?) and kick steps were easy - we did use ice axe in this section to be safe. On the way down - no snow to deal with on the back side. Two of us glissaded from Trail Crest and two took the cables. I saw maybe 3 or 4 others glissading but most were using the cables(over 30 people while I was watching). Glisading down from Trail Crest will very soon not be a safe option. Already the rocks are poking through on the left side. photo link
Last edited by tomcat_rc; 07/07/10 05:37 AM. Reason: photo link
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I was with the Tomcat party on 7/5 and walked the SBs on the descent. 1) There is snow most of the length of the cables. 2) The snow is solid packed. 3) There is a good boot track on the high side. 4) We used attention but no tools.
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Bill, It looks like I just missed ya this year. Me and my dad (Bill, 69) ran into you (3) last year (we were going down, you were going up). I already summited once this year, on June 27. I have a couple more trips with other groups planned for Aug. I've included a copy of my trip report. Just click on site. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/...age=1#Post77847Have a great trip and enjoy the scenery. You couldn't have timed it much better. Anthony
If, at first you don't succeed, DON'T TRY SKY DIVING! -- Anthony Manha
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Went up on 7/6. The cables are absolutely 100% not an issue.
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ilovelamp -- when you say not an issue, at what skill level? i ask because i went up on june 26 and turned back at the cables because it was out of my comfort zone. i'm going back up on july 21, and i'm assuming there will be a lot more snow melt by then. are there any other ice/snow patches above the cables that may cause concern? thanks!
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Hi ilovelamp, Went up on 7/6. The cables are absolutely 100% not an issue. What kind of equipment have you used? Crampons? Ice-Axe? Trekking poles? High-cut mountaineering boots vs. low cut hikers?
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Hi Bill, I'll be going up on an overnighter July 11th/12th too, if you see a fat 30yr old guy hauling up a green Cabela's External frame pack say Hi :P
From what I have reasearched it looks like we should have fair weather and little snow left. Latest pics I saw had a deep trench walked through the snow at the cables, With temps supposed to be above freezing next several nights I am hoping for less than that.
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As of yesterday there was still snow at the cables. From previous reports, this was a point of concern for us. There is still snow there however we felt they were completely safe.
This was our first time on the switchbacks and have no mountaineering experience. We didn't need any equipment at all.
Having said that, everyone should evaluate the risk themselves and make their own decision on any part of the hike they feel uncomfortable with.
I will be posting a complete trip report today.
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Hi ilovelamp, Went up on 7/6. The cables are absolutely 100% not an issue. What kind of equipment have you used? Crampons? Ice-Axe? Trekking poles? High-cut mountaineering boots vs. low cut hikers? Went up on 7/2 with four rookies. All but myself used trekking poles and Yak Trax on the way up. On the way down we didn't bother with the Yaks. We really didn't need them on the way up, but put them on anyway. All wore standard hiking boots (On sale KMart to Lowes from REI). Unless you have a serious fear of heights and falling, you shouldn't have any issues. If you have such fears, you will be spooked even with no snow there. Hit the switchers after the sun has been up for a little while and get back before the sun goes down. I agree it's a non issue. My team consisted of a 13 year old boy, a 16 year old girl, 2 twenty somethings and myself. I have a reasonable fear of heights and had no problems. Your mileage may vary......................................DUG
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright
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Sorry for the delay, my internet had issues. Thanks
Bill
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Thanks for the info Tomcat. Got my crampons and ice axe ready
All the best,
Bill
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Anthony,
Sorry I missed you too.
This trip will be even more funner 'cause not only I am 40 pounds over weight, got a new fake knee, but yesterday I pulled my back out. I am sure I'll get the black plague before I go.
Bill
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Thanks DUG.
I am sorta ready to go.
I'll have a trip log after my attempt.
Bill
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