Day 49. Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 at 14,505 feet. There is a 8.5 mile side trail off the PCT that climbs to the summit. Many PCT hikers take an extra day to climb it while others skip it. SlowBro and MeToo decided they weren't going to climb it, but Arizona wanted to (by the way Arizona got his trail name because he just hiked the Arizona Trail- how cool is that!). I decided that since I had enough food, I would take an extra day to climb Whitney with Arizona while the others went on ahead. Hopefully I'll see the other guys down the trail it was great hiking with them.

Timberline Lake.

Many people camp at Guitar Lake before climbing Whitney, or wake up really early in the AM to get a pre-dawn start. Unfortunately, I just didn't have the energy for either of those options. Yesterday, Arizona and I didn't arrive at Crabtree Meadows until nearly 8 PM. I thought by now I'd be a super strong hiking machine, but just when I thought I was finally in thru hiker shape, the PCT throws in extra challenges like the weight of the bear canister, microspikes, and extra clothes, and elevations over 10,000 feet. Phew! I remain humbled.

Up the valley towards the switchbacks.

So, last night we camped at the junction and then set out at 6 AM to climb Whitney.

The hike up to Guitar Lake was stunning. Snowmelt mountain streams rushed down the valley.

Gorgeous lakes.  I never get tired of rocks and snow and water.

The trail then switchbacked up to the Whitney Trail Portal junction at 13,519 feet. At one point I heard rocks falling down the slope above me, and had to dart up the trail. Thankfully, we reacted in time to avoid them.

Snow fields were icy on the way up. I'd been pretty scared about them. There were good kick steps already established. I crossed the snowy traverses with my microspikes, and cheered after crossing each one. I was definitely glad I had taken a snow skills class. Those traverses are one of those things that make me feel so good to face my fears, but they sure did take it out of me.

Grateful to be following in the footsteps.

The trail got sketchy for a while after the junction. Lots of boulders and ice and sheer drop offs. The air was thin, and breathing was difficult. I noticed I quit looking around, quit enjoying being up there. I started feeling pretty uncomfortable with the level of exertion, and I was so tired of being tired. I knew I was in this beautiful place, but I couldn't appreciate it because it was taking all my energy just to keep moving slowly forward and not fall down. It was also getting late and I realized I'd been climbing for 7 hours and had only done about 7.5 miles! Even though we were less than a mile to the top, I decided to turn around. I was really surprised Arizona decided to turn around too. Even though I was disappointed, it was such a relief to start heading down. I instantly felt energized. I could see the amazing views and feel awe at the sheer peaks and other-worldly landscapes.

Approaching trail junction on the descent.

I was disappointed in myself for not making it to the top. I know I could have made it if I'd pushed myself harder. It made me so self-aware of how I worry and tend to be overly cautious. I lack self-confidence. Sometimes I wish I could change that about myself and take more risks. Other times I think I should be more accepting of my cautious nature and realize it is just part of who I am.

Many moments of self-reflection as I push myself to my limit, and a bit beyond.

But I was glad for the experience of attempting to climb Whitney. It was helpful getting practice at those elevations because I was really nervous about climbing over Forester Pass, highest point on the PCT. Knowing I could handle the traverses gave me an extra confidence boost.

On the way down, I had time to stop and take a refreshing dip at a small snow melt lake. I relaxed in the sun and felt the soft grass between my toes. It was the first time I actually felt glad to to be in the Sierras, and not in a state of disorientation at the strangeness of this place. I glided down the slushy snow fields with glee. Actually enjoying the snow for the first time. Remembering to play. And remembering to listen to my body, not being so goal oriented but instead focusing on the journey and not the destination.

Drying out after a refreshing dip in the icy waters.

We got back to Crabtree Meadows by 7 pm and we are camped here again. I can't believe how tired I am!

Hanging at Crabtree Meadows.