Mt Whitney has always been on my bucket list, not just because of it's prestige (being tallest peak in the lower 48 states), but because I love exploring the outdoors, seeing everything God has created for us.
We decided to climb Whitney almost literally last minute...Because weather was the biggest determining factor, we saw a short open opportunity to do so and took it! We were literally sitting in a organic chemistry lecture at 6pm on a Friday night, and by 5:45am the next morning we were hiking the glorious Mt. Whitney. Being sleep deprived combined with high altitude would significantly impact us later on. I just want to say this trip was a blessing. God was with us. Pictures speak more than words, so here it goes.
Note: Pictures are limited...as we could only take a few quick ones during break
 |
| Daniel, 5:45am just around sunrise,we are off |
 |
| Sun was rising quickly, revealing the glory of the mountain |
 |
| making good progress |
 |
| WAHOOO! |
 |
| Approaching outpost camp, after ~2000' gain, now around 10,000feet |
 | ||
| "selfie" |
 |
| Whitney summit barely peaking out from high above |
 | |||
| We are past the timberline level where no trees grow...this an oasis! |
 |
| more altitude =more snow+sun...need shades |
 |
| Daniel, Trail Camp, ~11,000ft, 99 switchbacks in front of us...I thought it was the hardest/most dangerous part of the trail |
 | |
| Trail Crest! made it this far, almost there!!! |
 | ||||||||||||
one of the 2 hikers we met along the way...filtering water from hole made in a frozen lake...seriously a boss 
AWESOME PEOPLE HERE. Guy holding the pole basically carried my heavy pack along with his own all the way down, shared his water his us(we ran out :/). The young guy in the green jacket safely and correctly guided us down.I look dead tired, Daniel just seems happy to get finally get off the mountain! Started at dark, end at dark :P. Round trip took ~13-14hrs of extreme hiking. TIRED BUT A GREAT DAY!
After getting much needed sleep (we slept in the car) We head back home. I highly recommend driving on Hwy 395 if you ever get a chance...just amazing stuff.
  Last seflie, before back home :)
We did not technically make it up to the very top...we made the decision to turn around about 5-10mins from the summit. Altitude really started hitting us 12000-13500feet, starting at the 99 switchbacks. Daniel vomited everything he had eaten, my head was throbbing and started having hallucinations. As much as I wanted to summit, it got to point where it was too dangerous to keep going...we needed to get down asap.
I seriously had doubts if I would make it safely down the mountain...
I had carried up with me a small Gideon Bible...not knowing what to read I opened to Psalm 23. As I read it, my soul was overwhelmed by God's love. He's was here guiding me down, protecting my steps. He is my shepherd. Amen
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. |
Good summation of the trip, boy it was an adventure!
ReplyDelete