Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney Summit 9/9/06

Thanks to the insights shared on this board, I had my best trip on Whitney yet on Saturday making it my second summit out of four lifetime attempts. A few facts and then some commentary:

Acclimated 9/7 at Horsehoe Meadows. We had a reservation for Onion Valley trailhead campground but after so many positive H.M. postings on this message board, we opted to try H.M. instead. A better choice for sure. On Friday we picked our permits and slept at the Portal campground and got up Saturday at 3:30am. This was great as the portal campground creek drowned out a lot of noise and we slept well.

Began MMWT hike at 4:05am and summited at 11:30am. We made better time than expected and were pleased. After 70 Minutes on top, we hiked down and reached the portal at 5:40pm. We then enjoyed a hamburger at the portal store and it hit the spot. Weather was cool but clear. Frost at 10,000 feet and 4 inch icicles at the switchback cables. By afternoon all were melted. Lows were low 30s and the summit temp was low 50s. Passed 3 Rangers. Since we had the visible permits no other questions were asked.

What I did right: A slow steady pace was key. We walked brisk but never too fast to get winded. Although I am not a big fan of medications, I took 2 tums and 2 exedrin as preventative measures during the hike. This increased my functionality and trip pleasure during the 13k+ sections. We filtered water and saved a lot of weight. My pack weighed 12 lbs total including clothes, filter, 2.5 L of water and food. A lot of training hikes before hand is key. Our team of 4 was compatible in many hiking capability areas and we kept together as a group and that increased the pleasure of the hike.

What would I do different: I took too much food. I only ended eating a powerbar, a few bagels and candy for the sugar. I would start a bit earlier to be on the switchbacks to see the sunrise. I used too much of the powder drinks with Vit C in them. It made me pee way too often. Next time, I would vary the powder drinks a bit.

Clearly, after two previous incomplete attempts years ago, I studied all I could to increase the margins of success. This message board stands out as the best info. Thanks to all for their info. The other posts on this board have peaked my interest in the MR…..maybe next year…

Hi Jeff,
Congratulation on your successful summit!

I think you're the one I met on Saturday.

Sounds like your preparation paid off. Good Job!
You didn't mentioned how the new wagbag experience went this year.
bumps

Yep, my prehike carb loading worked its way out my system by trailcamp. Since the trailcamp solar toilets were closed, the wagbag worked out great. Kind of tricky getting all the air out of the full wagbag to fit into my already full pack - almost like squeezing the air out of a ziplock bag.

I was hanging out in Trail Camp Saturday afternoon with my son. We summited the next morning. You probably walked right past us. The two of us may have been on your right on top of a large boulder. My son really enjoyed watching the parade of hikers walk by in both directions. After dark there was still a fair number of people coming down the switchbacks and their headlights made quite a show, which we watched from our tent. Later the almost full moon rose and bathed Trail Camp in a soft light. This trip was a part of my son's 13th birthday present and he had a great time.

You know, Mtntrailrunner, I'm a big advocate of what my Grandmother used to call "making memories." What a great birthday gift for a young man! It is one he has no need or desire to return, and is and will remain one he will remember forever and all the sights and sounds and things he did with his Dad while having a great time. Young folks need to be out and experience times and places like that to help them keep the "regular daily" world in perspective. You are to be congratulated.