Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Alls Fair in Love and Parenthood….

GREAT IDEA! One that I've been thinking about too. But a hike for everyone with or without kids! I know my son can probably leave me in the dust by now but I'll give him a run (hike) for his money.

This time of year though could be challenging weather-wise. It would have to be very soon or next spring. If next spring, we have lots of time to plan something really cool.

A WPMB group/family hike with fishing! LPL is a nice destination as are the lakes going up to Kearsarge Pass out of Onion Valley. Fantastic views and fishing and a not too steep trail. Both are great family hikes. And for those who want to continue up, both the Whitney trail and Onion Valley area offer great destinations further up.

After missing the WPMB group hike two years in a row due to family events, it's time to just bring them along!

James

James... I was thinking next Spring... only plan to LPL that way we don't have to worry about permit issues.. but if families/people want to get permits they can go further then the rest of us...

Oh I am soooo getting into this idea... Hurm.. maybe I should take point and start looking at dates and such...

Memorial Day weekend maybe? Could be crowded though not to mention a lot of people headed to Half Dome that weekend. Or maybe sometime like that.

The reason I mentioned Onion Valley and the lakes by Kearsarge Pass is not only is the scenery beautiful (every bit as nice as the main Whitney trail) but no permits are required there either. And there is the Onion Valley campground right there at the trailhead. A large campground (that I've stayed at many times) with a large spill over parking lot for those that just want to go for the day.

James

Ok then.. .let me do a little bit of research and present some ideas... see who is interested in what...

Great, thanks for taking the lead. I'll get some info too. Might be a good idea to start a new thread. Something like the previous WPMB group hikes.

I'll do that as soon as I've got some info together!!!

SoCalGirl- Great TR, glad you had fun with the kids and Laura.

My kids practically know her just by all the photos and TR we read. They really thought the Bear photos a few weeks back were awesome!

A "family" Group hike is a great idea. Keep us all posted, kids seem to have more fun when they are with other kids. (They tend not to whine when other kids are around too)

Last year we took them to LP Lake and this past July Linda and I took the boys up the Kearsarge Pass trail to Gilbert and Matlock lakes and it was a great day. That might be a good destination because of all the lakes in the area.

Although reaching a summit is always fun the time shared with the kids wandering around in the mountains is a very special time together. The summits will come as they learn to appreciate the mountains and what they have to offer.

Congratulations on a great day!

Ron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9alwFo3AMfU (Kearsarge Pass Trip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTbEWmZ2cuA (Whitney Day Hike)

Ron... I think that the absolute best part of wandering wiht the kids is being able to see things through their eyes. To rediscover a nature and a world that we seem so familiar with... things that we take for (almost) granted when we see them... taking a child (or two) out there and watching the wonder and amazement on their faces when they see something, or learn something... or just discover... THAT is what family time in the outdoors is all about to me....

I will definately keep all posted.

Especially when they are out of your line of sight and you hear...Dad! Snake!

Sorry, Wandering ...not Wondering..although that might be true also..

I haven't had that particular thrill yet.. thankfully... but my kids have grown up with snakes and are pretty good about it.. my worry would be "Ohhh Mommy.. look at the cute little bear!"

As for the wandering vs wondering.. they both apply when traveling iwth children..

Chris, Iron mt. one of my favs.keep me in the loop on that one. me and the wife would love to join in on the fun. 09 Whitney summit oh ya! make it happen girl!!!! great TR by the way.

Hypox.. Oh yeah.. By this time next year I will be able to wear the "I climbed" version of Whitney Sporting apparel... She's gonna be MINE

Hey Chris,
Sent you a PM...give me call/email when you get a chance. Family hike sounds great for the spring.

SoCalGirl, sounds like you and kids*2 had a great time...it's always great to read these sorts of stories after all the years that Nathan I have spent meandering around odd parts of the country and a few real mountains like Whitney in the process.

Get 'em out of the house and keep 'em going...they'll have a better appreciation for the world around 'em. With a little luck, they'll even deign to tag along occasionally once they get old enough to want to be out on their own.

I take every opportunity to talk up the joys of hiking, camping and backpacking with kids to anyone who'll listen. If anyone has questions about what the kids are capable of and when, just point 'em to my Mt. Ritter and highpointing stories...started when Nathan was about 5 and we're still going now that he's 19 and I'm, well, a bit older...

It's amazing how even some of the older kids come back from a long trip (like Philmont for the 14-and-up Boy Scouts) and have a new appreciation for the outdoors. Hope we can all keep going and keep convincing them...you keep it up, too!