June 8th, 2016
Miles Hiked: 16
Total Miles:
Start Location: Crabtree Meadow mile 766
End Location: Crabtree Ranger Station near Mile 767
End Location GPS: 36.56447, -118.34966
Today we climbed Mt. Whitney. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. The climbing was made extra difficult by snow field and ridge traversals. Normally we can hammer out 8 miles in about 4 hours or less, but this 8 miles took us nearly 7.5 hours.
The views were majestic all day. We passed by guitar lake where I had camped 12 years ago. It didn’t look how I remembered it for some reason. It still was partially frozen with large ice chunks, but the majority of the lake was deep navy blue.
We climbed and climbed for what seemed like an eternity over endless switchbacks. The ascent never seemed to want to end. Finally we made it to the top and had 360 views of everything. Quite scenic. There is a hut on top where about three people could probably fit to sleep.
The mountain really punished us today. We are both very tired and sore. Sleep will come easy I hope.
Love all of your posts. Stay healthy.