9/15/09
Things are shaping up nicely. Trained with full packs Monday, today just the usual 4 mile circuit and no complaints. There was a 30% chance of snow on the summit yesterday, that has passed and judging from the off shore breeze today, a nice high is building in the interior. Grabbing some last minute beverage choices, tea, powdered Gatorade, etc. Have enough Shot Blocks left over from the Yosemite trip. Water is heavy, we will carry just enough water to make it to known water. We will use a high volume pump to filter all water. We are taking 15 degree down bags for this trip with liners that add 15 degrees. Zero degree capability should keep even Ann warm. It looks like I will hit the trail with approx 43-45 lbs. and Ann with approx 33-35 lbs, this includes water and is not bad for five days, I was very pleased when the packs came in at these weights.
The weather forecast looks great for our visit. Outpost Camp Friday: Sunny, with a high of 69. Outpost Camp Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Trail Camp Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Trail Camp Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Summit Day Sunday: Expecting a high near 51. Trail Camp Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Outpost Camp Monday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Outpost Camp Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. The Portal Tuesday with a high near 68.
I did mention forecast? We will be ready for heavy rain and moderate snow if required, it is September. Yes, I hate to carry that stuff, but I hate more to need it and be without. That is one of the drawbacks of an extended trip, a sleeping bag, a tent, food, stove, and gear for weather extremes. When training to carry all this gear, you soon realize that you are probably at the same fitness level you need for a one day summit. That was last year, this year we hope to bask in the serenity and beauty without a deadline. Five days is more then enough time for a leisurely ascent, but does expose us to four more days of weather, regardless of the forecast. I'm still excited, but feel a sense of calm this year as compared to last, I hope that is a good thing. Anxiety is the main reason many well planned strenuous hikes get off to poor starts. Trust your gear, trust your training, trust your partner and trust yourself. This is going to be fun!
Things are shaping up nicely. Trained with full packs Monday, today just the usual 4 mile circuit and no complaints. There was a 30% chance of snow on the summit yesterday, that has passed and judging from the off shore breeze today, a nice high is building in the interior. Grabbing some last minute beverage choices, tea, powdered Gatorade, etc. Have enough Shot Blocks left over from the Yosemite trip. Water is heavy, we will carry just enough water to make it to known water. We will use a high volume pump to filter all water. We are taking 15 degree down bags for this trip with liners that add 15 degrees. Zero degree capability should keep even Ann warm. It looks like I will hit the trail with approx 43-45 lbs. and Ann with approx 33-35 lbs, this includes water and is not bad for five days, I was very pleased when the packs came in at these weights.
The weather forecast looks great for our visit. Outpost Camp Friday: Sunny, with a high of 69. Outpost Camp Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Trail Camp Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Trail Camp Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Summit Day Sunday: Expecting a high near 51. Trail Camp Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 42. Outpost Camp Monday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Outpost Camp Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. The Portal Tuesday with a high near 68.
I did mention forecast? We will be ready for heavy rain and moderate snow if required, it is September. Yes, I hate to carry that stuff, but I hate more to need it and be without. That is one of the drawbacks of an extended trip, a sleeping bag, a tent, food, stove, and gear for weather extremes. When training to carry all this gear, you soon realize that you are probably at the same fitness level you need for a one day summit. That was last year, this year we hope to bask in the serenity and beauty without a deadline. Five days is more then enough time for a leisurely ascent, but does expose us to four more days of weather, regardless of the forecast. I'm still excited, but feel a sense of calm this year as compared to last, I hope that is a good thing. Anxiety is the main reason many well planned strenuous hikes get off to poor starts. Trust your gear, trust your training, trust your partner and trust yourself. This is going to be fun!
Whitney are weather can be monitored at:
The Mt Whitney web cam is working nicely and can be seen at:
http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/webcam/whitney_L.jpg
You can follow our progress on the SPOT adventures page:
http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile?user_id=47808
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