Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: August 3, 1999
Awesome climb. My highest peak to date. One of the great days of my life! Attempt in '98 aborted at Trail Camp due to excess snow on mountain that we weren't prepared for. After a much more normal winter, we returned in '99 and did the one day hike. Incredible scenery, great test of stamina, absolutely thrilling! The trip down was long, but after such a long day, a pizza from the Pizza Factory in Lone Pine hit the spot just right!
Route Climbed: Main Whitney Trail Date Climbed: October 4, 2002
This was my first ascent up Whitney. We planned a summer hike and it snowed. Nobody had reached the summit in 3 days because of whiteout conditions and most people were leaving because it was so cold. On Oct 4th, the storm stopped at 10AM and we set out for the summit. By 2:30PM we got to the top I was the 8th person to sign the summit log in 3 days. We were allowed 10 minutes at the top before the next storm came and we had to get down. The snow was comming down fast and we were loosing the trail so we had to get down quickly. What an adventure!
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: September 19, 2003
Did the Mountaineers route in a day, with a little fifth class excursion along the way. We did Split on the 17th and thought we were pretty hot stuff doing both peaks back to back, then saw Han's entry of 11 in 51hrs. That man is unbelievable. We had a great day though and I can't wait to get back!
Route Climbed: Tourist Trail Date Climbed: Sept 19, 2003
Kept a promise to take my 14yo sis to the top. Perfect weather, just a mite chilly at Trail Camp when we tanked up. Tried out a new pair of Nike sandals for the hike and left the tennies in the car. Left the portal @ 0420, summited Muir @ 1000, summited Whitney @ 1100, hit the car @ 1630.
Saw Florine's register entry from earlier that morning:
"11th 14er......believe and you will achieve"
or something like that. We'll soon see if he had enough faith.
Route Climbed: Main Trail/Mountainieers Route Date Climbed: August 27, 2003
Great fun circumventing the mountain. Enjoyed the climb a bunch although I lost my climbing partner before the trip. He developed a kidney stone (we're old guys so stuff like this happens sometimes) at Whitney Portal CG the night before we where to take off. Required an early morning trip to the hospital and a long drive to Reno (500 mile round trip)and back to get him on a plane back home to Snohomish (near Seattle). Met some great people on the mountain. Also, I highly reccommed the patty melt and Corona at Whitney Portal Store (great people there too by the way). Have FUN!
Route Climbed: Main Trail Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2003
We started hiking at 5:30 am. We summited after 7 hours at 12:30 pm. The weather was just perfect. Some AMS effect felt by my colleague at about 3300m and by me at around 4200m. We stayed on the summit about 1.5 hrs. The view was magnificent! A couple of clouds here and there were adding to the picture perfect view. We arrived at our car at 7:00 pm after 5 hours. I'll definitely do it again!
Route Climbed: Mountaineers Route Date Climbed: Sept. 14th, 2003
Awesome scenic route , left at 430 am , plenty of moonlight for the E-ledges in the dark , summited at 1045 am . Descended on Whitney Trail , car to Portal Store Cheeseburger ,11 hours .The 1st chute above the notch was blast, what a great experience climbing the Sierras !
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: September 14, 2003
Originally we planned to climbed the East Face. However, there was only one permit left, so we had to do it in a day. We had a late start and when we got just below Iceberg Lake we decided to do MR instead.
Route Climbed: East Face Date Climbed: September 7, 2003
After spending the previous day resting by ascending the Mountaineer's route and Mt. Muir, we were jazzed to do the route that we had come to do. Unfortunately some of our party was forced to turn around due to our slow progress. The remaining three of us ended up summiting at 7:30 P.M. With minimal light from our headlamps, we decided that it would be safer to spend the night on the summit. Although we were protected from the elements due to being inside the hut, it was still colder than I care to remember. The three of us shared a space blanket and spent the night huddled close together on coiled ropes. The next morning we descended without mishap, just a little hungry. The hike out went quick with visions of Cheeseburgers in our heads.
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Date Climbed: September 6, 2003
In preparation for our attempt at doing the East Face we used our rest day to ascend the Mountaineer's route to acclimatize. Ended up being a beautiful day at the summit where we lounged for over an hour. Many people on the summit that day.
Route Climbed: East Face Date Climbed: August 15, 2003
Penelope May wanted her Birthday present to be a successful ascent of the East Face. I wanted to climb the face again, having climbed it only once, in winter of 1983. Paul Brabham and Annie Stockley, our San Diego friends gave us their permit, so we could finally do it. I struggled remembering the approach and the route, Pen was just having fun. We did the route in about 7 hours and took a bit less than 2 hours to come down. The crux section, the off-width chimney at the top of the Staircase, was (suprisingly) good climbing and about 5.7. I did not remember that at all, I guess I was much stronger when I climbed it the last time. We dodged a major trouble when we reached our tent fly (I didn't bring the full tent) about a minute before a major downpour started. We spent 3 hours under the fly, sitting on our pads, holding our sleeping bags, trying to stay as dry as possible. The storm was vicious. About 2 inches of hail fell together with at least an inch of water, flooding us good. A good lesson. We will carry a tent next time. Upon reflection, a good route, easily followed, not too technical. Amazing feat for the First Ascent people in 1931.
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Date Climbed: August 29, 2003
What an amazing mountain. Went up MR, and down the main trail. Weather was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky and plenty warm, even at the summit. It was my first time climbing Whitney. And first time over 12,000 feet. Flew out from PA to do the climb. Now I have to find another cheap flight and space on my calendar to do it again.
After my brother, and I spent the night sleeping under the wing of our aircraft in Lone Pine, we started hitchhiking to the portal. A lady, in a van, finally took pity on us and gave us a ride, nobody else would.
My brother turned around about halfway up the 97 switch backs, after bumming a cigarette from another hiker. Eventually, I staggered back down from the summit, feeling like crap. We were total tourons, but learned some things from our mistakes. Well worth the trip, and as Huell Howser would say "This is AH-MAZING, one of California's gold."
Route Climbed: Trail Date Climbed: August 17, 1988
Took my step-daughter and one of her girl friends to the summit so they could earn some extra P.E. credits. They are both knock outs, so we had no problem hitching a ride from the Lone Pine airport. It was amazing, the number of guys who offered free dinners the two nights we camped. No doubt they were seeking wisdom from the old man. At the higher camp we met a squad of British Marines. Her Majesty gave these guys a trip to the U.S. because they volunteered for duty in Ireland. They marched up to the summit in formation, and resembled a train being pulled by a locomotive. The girls were quite taken by their British accents, and charm. Consequently, guarding against marmots became less a priority.
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail, tourist route Date Climbed: August 12, 2003
Another good old speed hike. Left the portal at 3:30am and hit the summit before the crowd got there at 8:10am. It was a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky and sunrise was amazing. Temperatures were warm, around 80 at the portal and 50s on top. On the way back down the trail turned into a highway.
Route Climbed: North Face Date Climbed: August 10, 2003
Coming down from Russell I was going to go over the Whitney-Russell pass and climb MR. As I was getting close to the pass I decided to go up the North Face instead. It was pretty cool class 3 climb with some exposure. Summited at 11:45, about 2.5 hrs after leaving the West Summit of Russell.
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: September 16, 2002
First experience with a Sierra Peak and am totally hooked. Solo day-hiked starting at 2am and enjoyed every minute. Stayed at the Portal Campground to acclimatized and had no problem with altitude. Unfortunately, my husband had to cancel due to contacting Lyme Disease in the Spring. Will enjoy sharing the experience with him once he fully recovers.
MrWasatch - Sep 26, 2003 12:24 pm
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: August 3, 1999Awesome climb. My highest peak to date. One of the great days of my life! Attempt in '98 aborted at Trail Camp due to excess snow on mountain that we weren't prepared for. After a much more normal winter, we returned in '99 and did the one day hike. Incredible scenery, great test of stamina, absolutely thrilling! The trip down was long, but after such a long day, a pizza from the Pizza Factory in Lone Pine hit the spot just right!
madclimber - Sep 26, 2003 12:19 pm
Route Climbed: Main Whitney Trail Date Climbed: October 4, 2002This was my first ascent up Whitney. We planned a summer hike and it snowed. Nobody had reached the summit in 3 days because of whiteout conditions and most people were leaving because it was so cold. On Oct 4th, the storm stopped at 10AM and we set out for the summit. By 2:30PM we got to the top I was the 8th person to sign the summit log in 3 days. We were allowed 10 minutes at the top before the next storm came and we had to get down. The snow was comming down fast and we were loosing the trail so we had to get down quickly. What an adventure!
sloclimbr - Sep 22, 2003 10:36 am
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: September 19, 2003Did the Mountaineers route in a day, with a little fifth class excursion along the way. We did Split on the 17th and thought we were pretty hot stuff doing both peaks back to back, then saw Han's entry of 11 in 51hrs. That man is unbelievable. We had a great day though and I can't wait to get back!
ScottyS - Sep 20, 2003 8:28 pm
Route Climbed: Tourist Trail Date Climbed: Sept 19, 2003Kept a promise to take my 14yo sis to the top. Perfect weather, just a mite chilly at Trail Camp when we tanked up. Tried out a new pair of Nike sandals for the hike and left the tennies in the car. Left the portal @ 0420, summited Muir @ 1000, summited Whitney @ 1100, hit the car @ 1630.
Saw Florine's register entry from earlier that morning:
"11th 14er......believe and you will achieve"
or something like that. We'll soon see if he had enough faith.
dougmckenzie - Sep 18, 2003 11:56 am
Route Climbed: Main Trail/Mountainieers Route Date Climbed: August 27, 2003Great fun circumventing the mountain. Enjoyed the climb a bunch although I lost my climbing partner before the trip. He developed a kidney stone (we're old guys so stuff like this happens sometimes) at Whitney Portal CG the night before we where to take off. Required an early morning trip to the hospital and a long drive to Reno (500 mile round trip)and back to get him on a plane back home to Snohomish (near Seattle). Met some great people on the mountain. Also, I highly reccommed the patty melt and Corona at Whitney Portal Store (great people there too by the way). Have FUN!
gaby - Sep 17, 2003 5:04 pm
Route Climbed: Main Trail Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2003We started hiking at 5:30 am. We summited after 7 hours at 12:30 pm. The weather was just perfect. Some AMS effect felt by my colleague at about 3300m and by me at around 4200m. We stayed on the summit about 1.5 hrs. The view was magnificent! A couple of clouds here and there were adding to the picture perfect view. We arrived at our car at 7:00 pm after 5 hours. I'll definitely do it again!
mtndave - Sep 17, 2003 1:30 am
Route Climbed: Mountaineers Route Date Climbed: Sept. 14th, 2003Awesome scenic route , left at 430 am , plenty of moonlight for the E-ledges in the dark , summited at 1045 am . Descended on Whitney Trail , car to Portal Store Cheeseburger ,11 hours .The 1st chute above the notch was blast, what a great experience climbing the Sierras !
Zzyzx - Sep 16, 2003 12:32 am
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: September 14, 2003Originally we planned to climbed the East Face. However, there was only one permit left, so we had to do it in a day. We had a late start and when we got just below Iceberg Lake we decided to do MR instead.
Hammer - Sep 12, 2003 4:27 pm
Route Climbed: East Face Date Climbed: September 7, 2003After spending the previous day resting by ascending the Mountaineer's route and Mt. Muir, we were jazzed to do the route that we had come to do. Unfortunately some of our party was forced to turn around due to our slow progress. The remaining three of us ended up summiting at 7:30 P.M. With minimal light from our headlamps, we decided that it would be safer to spend the night on the summit. Although we were protected from the elements due to being inside the hut, it was still colder than I care to remember. The three of us shared a space blanket and spent the night huddled close together on coiled ropes. The next morning we descended without mishap, just a little hungry. The hike out went quick with visions of Cheeseburgers in our heads.
Hammer - Sep 12, 2003 4:20 pm
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Date Climbed: September 6, 2003In preparation for our attempt at doing the East Face we used our rest day to ascend the Mountaineer's route to acclimatize. Ended up being a beautiful day at the summit where we lounged for over an hour. Many people on the summit that day.
asmrz - Sep 10, 2003 1:34 pm
Route Climbed: East Face Date Climbed: August 15, 2003Penelope May wanted her Birthday present to be a successful ascent of the East Face. I wanted to climb the face again, having climbed it only once, in winter of 1983. Paul Brabham and Annie Stockley, our San Diego friends gave us their permit, so we could finally do it. I struggled remembering the approach and the route, Pen was just having fun. We did the route in about 7 hours and took a bit less than 2 hours to come down. The crux section, the off-width chimney at the top of the Staircase, was (suprisingly) good climbing and about 5.7. I did not remember that at all, I guess I was much stronger when I climbed it the last time. We dodged a major trouble when we reached our tent fly (I didn't bring the full tent) about a minute before a major downpour started. We spent 3 hours under the fly, sitting on our pads, holding our sleeping bags, trying to stay as dry as possible. The storm was vicious. About 2 inches of hail fell together with at least an inch of water, flooding us good. A good lesson. We will carry a tent next time. Upon reflection, a good route, easily followed, not too technical. Amazing feat for the First Ascent people in 1931.
paclimber - Sep 10, 2003 11:20 am
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Date Climbed: August 29, 2003What an amazing mountain. Went up MR, and down the main trail. Weather was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky and plenty warm, even at the summit. It was my first time climbing Whitney. And first time over 12,000 feet. Flew out from PA to do the climb. Now I have to find another cheap flight and space on my calendar to do it again.
Bill Ott - Aug 31, 2003 12:44 pm
Route Climbed: trail Date Climbed: July 31, 1986After my brother, and I spent the night sleeping under the wing of our aircraft in Lone Pine, we started hitchhiking to the portal. A lady, in a van, finally took pity on us and gave us a ride, nobody else would.
My brother turned around about halfway up the 97 switch backs, after bumming a cigarette from another hiker. Eventually, I staggered back down from the summit, feeling like crap. We were total tourons, but learned some things from our mistakes. Well worth the trip, and as Huell Howser would say "This is AH-MAZING, one of California's gold."
Bill Ott - Aug 31, 2003 11:52 am
Route Climbed: Trail Date Climbed: August 17, 1988Took my step-daughter and one of her girl friends to the summit so they could earn some extra P.E. credits. They are both knock outs, so we had no problem hitching a ride from the Lone Pine airport. It was amazing, the number of guys who offered free dinners the two nights we camped. No doubt they were seeking wisdom from the old man. At the higher camp we met a squad of British Marines. Her Majesty gave these guys a trip to the U.S. because they volunteered for duty in Ireland. They marched up to the summit in formation, and resembled a train being pulled by a locomotive. The girls were quite taken by their British accents, and charm. Consequently, guarding against marmots became less a priority.
Brice Neugebauer - Aug 30, 2003 9:46 am
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: October 2001Long day (actually night) hike
ktnbs - Aug 20, 2003 10:51 pm
Route Climbed: The trail Date Climbed: August 1964With Mom and Dad (great folks who got me hiking up peaks when I was 7). Heck, thought I'd at least sign the summit log for this way-back event.
Otomax - Aug 20, 2003 7:05 pm
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Trail Date Climbed: August 18, 2001Underestimated conditioning required. I keep learning these lessons though.
thebeave7 - Aug 15, 2003 10:43 am
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail, tourist route Date Climbed: August 12, 2003Another good old speed hike. Left the portal at 3:30am and hit the summit before the crowd got there at 8:10am. It was a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky and sunrise was amazing. Temperatures were warm, around 80 at the portal and 50s on top. On the way back down the trail turned into a highway.
Zzyzx - Aug 12, 2003 12:00 am
Route Climbed: North Face Date Climbed: August 10, 2003Coming down from Russell I was going to go over the Whitney-Russell pass and climb MR. As I was getting close to the pass I decided to go up the North Face instead. It was pretty cool class 3 climb with some exposure. Summited at 11:45, about 2.5 hrs after leaving the West Summit of Russell.
trekrbear - Aug 7, 2003 5:53 pm
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: September 16, 2002First experience with a Sierra Peak and am totally hooked. Solo day-hiked starting at 2am and enjoyed every minute. Stayed at the Portal Campground to acclimatized and had no problem with altitude. Unfortunately, my husband had to cancel due to contacting Lyme Disease in the Spring. Will enjoy sharing the experience with him once he fully recovers.