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

Well 25 days before climb time and still have a ton of snow on the Main Trail. I was planning a conditioner climb for 5/27 but opted out after seeing Bob R's trip report from 5/23. The temps seem to be warming up in the next few days so hopefully we will see some major snow melt soon. Anyhow Mother Nature rules. See you all on 6/22.
John S.

Hi! I just called the Permit office, and was told that as of today they still had fifty three MT Whitney Main Trail day hike permits available for the day of the MT Whitney Senior Group hike. The Ranger I talked to told me that they expect to have a lot of day hike permits available to pick up on a walk in basis the day before we all step off. BUT, if you would feel better having a paid for reserved spot, give them a call. The permits are $15.00 per hiker.

Has someone picked a firm 'meet-up' time and place yet for the 22nd?

See you on the Mountain!

It doesn't appear that anyone has. John - you're the instigator of the soirée, so at the risk of stepping on your toes - I would suggest the Hostel in Lone Pine on the 22nd for those dayhiking it the next day as some may be catching a few winks before the hike somewhere other than the Portal. So, I'd suggest 3:30PM time in the lobby of Doug's Hostel.

And, it looks like the goal is to be on the summit around noon.

Kevin, Well I was kinda thinking to meet at the Portal Store to get some good scoop from Doug and any recent hikers regarding conditions on the switchbacks. Also some elevation aclimatization for those of us from sea level. Recents posts indicate the slope is presently the preferred (only) route. The 10 day forecast for LP is indicating ~90F which bodes well for more snow melt. Anyway others have mentioned meeting at the Hostel also. Let's see if any others post preferences between now and Friday and we'll make a decision then. Personally I'm thinking of sleeping at the overflow lot at the Portal.
John

John -

Waiting a bit longer to decide is fine with me. I don't plan to sleep at the Portal, but won't be far away. I was on Whitney last week, and while the route at that time was still the snow field, I could see one set of tracks leading to the cables section, so the melt is occurring fast. There were some photos posted via another thread which implied the cables were beginning to open up. And, Bob R posted a picture from Thor. It shows the upper switchbacks, but the cables area is blocked. Also, RichardP makes frequent trips, so one way or the other, there should be a good sense for the conditions.

Kevin

OK - 6 days to go before we meet on Tuesday June 22 for a pre hike get together. I went through all the posts and counted 22 interested parties for the hike. I'm sure some have changed plans but I think we will still have a good group. That said, I need some input on where to meet on Tuesday- Hostel or Portal- about 3-3:30pm?? Interested parties please advise by this Friday.
Also,in addition to Doug Sr and Bob R. I would like to invite Richard P. (even though he's a youngster) to join us if he's available. See you all soon.
John S.

Hi John and all you other MTWSGH participants.

I will be attending the MT Whitney Senior Group Hike.

After meeting up with the group, (where ever the group meeting is held,) I plan on spending Tuesday night camped at the Portal, climbing Wednesday AM, Cheeseburger at the Portal Store, and spending Wednesday night at the Hostel.

Depart for home (Anaheim) Thursday morning, after breakfast at the Alabama Hills Cafe.

If someone from Orange County is on the same schedule and would like to car pool with me, send me a PM.

Thanks, and I am looking forward to seeing you all Tuesday!!

Just an FYI.

I talked to the Forest Service people in the permit office today to check on Day Hike permit availability.

They said that at this point in time they still have 49 day hike permits available for June 23rd.

I know that some of you have expressed a concern about the group size limitations imposed by the Forest service as it pertains to the MT Whitney Senior Group Hike.

The nice Ranger that I talked to wanted me to spread the word that the Forest Service is aware of this hike, and it is concerned that the group hike limit of 15 hikers is observed. They specifically noted the problem of MT Whitney summit photos of large groups of people being posted on popular web sites, and the problem that causes the FS when other people seeking a permit for a large group is denied a permit.

They ask that we keep our group spread out on the trail, and recommended that we not post a summit shot of more that 15 hikers on top. They said that they didn't want to crack down on us, and basically wanted to keep it self policing.

They also specifically stated that they know and appreciate that the MT Whitney Message Board members are very helpful to new and first time MT Whitney climbers, and that members are very good about practicing a "Leave no Trace" ethic.

Thanks !

I'm planning to spend Tuesday night at the Portal, climb the Mountaineers' Route, meet everyone on the summit, and hike down the main trail with the group. I plan to summit around noon unless I see posts suggesting a different meeting time. I probably won't make it to Lone Pine in time for a pre-hike meeting. I drive a grey Acura RSX with Nevada plates. Feel free to strike up a conversation if you see me at the portal.

Bob

BobR's suggestion reminded me of a climb from 2001. I worked with a bunch of trash-talking, ball-busting engineers at the time. We used to have an annual race up Mt. Rose near Lake Tahoe. Money always changed hands on the summit, along with lots of taunting. It was great fun!

Anyway, in 2001 I ended up in a race against a relay team of four younger guys. They called themselves "The Team," but some of us called them "The Flab Four."

As race day approached, "The Team" paid serious money for some custom baseball hats. The front said "Mount Rose Bowl 2001" and the back said "Hey Bob… Eat my dust!" Five minutes into the race, I passed their fastest and youngest runner (22 years younger), and never saw the back of their hats again. I will always treasure the $100 bill I collected on the summit.

I think I met those Tahoe guys two years earlier: A Mt. Whitney Story

Bob:

The "Flab Four" all lived in Reno, so it wasn't the same guys.

I love your story. I'm going to have to figure out the "elephant ear" and find that shortcut by the pond behind the WPS for my attempt at a Whitney double later this summer.

It's really fun sticking it to a bunch of jocks half your age. Of course, that can work both ways. Several years ago, I was running a marathon. I was feeling really strong and well on my way to a personal best time. At mile 19, I finally passed a woman who was running her 100th marathon at age 79. I didn't feel so tough after that.

Re: Tee shirts ( Bob R.) Yeah I had the same thought earlier this week! Duh!( who organized this trip anyway??) Anyhow I think we'll all be recognized by the color of out hair! BTW Bob R. I loved your "Old Age and Trickery" pdf. Too bad you're leaving Tues to Trail Camp as I really want to know where those shortcuts are!! Kevin R. and Doug Sr pointed out the one at the Portal waterfall during this Springs Wildflower Hike. Anyway, I want to travel with someone who is familiar with them. Also Bob R.what time are you planning to leave for Trail Crest on Wed morn?? Also if we have to do the chute - what are people using for glissade pants?? Years ago when I was hiking in the Cascades we used to wear Army wool slacks with a piece of vinyl sewed in the seat.( Gee, I actually remember that!)
John S.

John - What I usually bring is a pair of nylon shorts that have seen better days, and slip them over my primary trousers. They tend to aborb the abrasion rather the expensive Gortex/Softshell/whatever pants I'm trying to protect, and the extra weight is negligible.

I had hoped that I might be able to get time off to run down to Whitney for this group hike, but it's just not happening. (darn!)

I had made reservations at the Whitney Campground for three nights (June 21st - 23rd) at my very favorite camp site (#44), and obviously will not be using it. If I cancel, I’m gonna take a hit on the cancellation fees anyway, so if anyone is interested in it, PM me.

Have fun, all of you!

OK - Decision time. Let's plan on meeting at the Hostel on Tuesday between 3-3:30 pm for a pre hike meet/greet and find out departure times etc and as previously discussed a Wednesday meet on the Summit between 12- 1PM.
Also as per White Tundra's post re: the USFS concerns - we agree plan to abide by their requests regarding group travel size and Summit pic postings etc.
See you there!
John S.

Bob R.
Thanks for the update. Looking forward to meeting you on the trail.
John S.

I posted a trip report here.

The summitters were disappointed to find that, on the appointed hour, there were only three of us on top: Kevin R, bobpickering, and me. My companion John, being 63, counts as a senior--although he was not part of the message board forum. Oh, my ranger friend was along, but I don't think we can count him.

Unfortunately, JASDIEGO had a family medical emergency and couldn't make it. White Tundra evidently got close, but had to turn back.

Those who were there got a memento of the climb.

Hey Bob,

In picture #98, I was just wondering if you were worried about losing that bottle or if it wasn't an approved beverage seeing that you were still in uniform?

Jim

It was a real pleasure meeting John, Bob, and Kevin on the summit. The mementos were special. That's mine in the photo above. I think I'll keep it as a reminder that it's possible to be a pretty tough climber at 74. You're an inspiration, Bob.