We left camp around 8 am. I only had a few things in my backpack, the rest I left in my tent to which I would return in the afternoon. Despite their heavier packs Mike, Sophie, Emily, and Hanna were soon quite a bit ahead of me.
Look back to the camp at Guitar lake
Most of the ascent to Whitney was on the west facing side which left the snow hard and icy. This was good because it allowed us to walk on the snow with very little postholing.
Mike scrambling up the mountain- who needs switchbacks?
Shortly after 10 am we had arrived at Trailcrest, the junction to the summit.
The trail to the summit was already well used, but still quite narrow and slippery at some spots. The trekking poles helped a lot. Mike had micro spikes, which were ideal for these conditions.
Another look at Guitar lake
Finally the summit in sight
Emily had the most energy left
Trailhead, Fuzzy, Lightweight, One Hit Wonder, and Tent Girl
It quickly became obvious that Mike is a professional photographer
It was time to say goodbye as they all exited at Whitney portal.
There was cell reception on the summit and I was able to call Susi before going off the grid again.
Some more views from the way down.
The way down was quite different, the snow had softened and there was a lot of sliding and postholing if one wasn't careful. I returned safely to the lake and had time for a swim while the sun was still warm.
Later I was joined by Pancake, Poppy Seed, Scooter Pie and their dog Pants, with whom I had camped two days ago before Forester pass.
They were super nice and we had dinner together in a "cave" near our camp site.
They will also exit tomorrow and have a break in their PCT trip to visit family.
I'm curious how busy - or lonely - it's going to be once I'm off the JMT section of the PCT tomorrow. I'll go until Walker pass and see.
Trailhead
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