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| Hiking | 21.40 Miles |
6,700 AEG |
| | Hiking | 21.40 Miles | 10 Hrs 2 Mns | | 2.13 mph |
| 6,700 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | | We got a hold of some permits and decided to try Mt Whitney. I fell off the training wagon the past two months but I did get a few 16 milers in so I knew 20 miles was in range. The drive out Friday was long but we made it and camped at Whitney Portal. Spending the night at 8,350 feet was definitely a good thing. It did start to rain off and on after midnight and there was smoke from campfires and headlamps shining on our tents but it's all part of the experience. Our hike started about 5:06a and we started up the trail in the dim morning light. It rained a little but after about 45 minutes the sky started to clear and we were off. The views are amazing and they kept our spirits up the entire hike. I felt good hiking up the trail and got up the switchbacks ok. I reached the summit at 10:26a and spent a few minutes on top. Boone was right behind me with Dana & Chris little farther back. The elevation affected all of us somewhat and we adjusted. I got very cold shortly after stopping so I started down and felt better. The trail was easy to follow and there were some patches of snow. About an hour after starting down I heard thunder and several hikers who were within two miles of the summit started turning back. The weather was very unpredictable this day. It later rained then hailed then rained again with sunshine between. On the trip down I was feeling good but lost my energy by Consultation Lake. I was good for 15 miles so the final 6 had to be on reserve. I kept drinking water and taking photos all the way down. I would rate this hike as the most scenic one I've done and probably the toughest for a lowlander. Cactus to Clouds is easier for me because the elevation isn't as much a factor. |
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