Day 2's objective was
to climb New Army Pass, proceed down the other side to Soldier Lake (Camp
2). New Army Pass was a bit of a gut-buster but good
preparation for what was to come.
Day 3 was to be our off-trail route finding day. We had heard
that Miter Basin was a beautiful place with spectacular mountains on
either side... and we were right! A nice tent site was established
next to Crabtree Lake (Camp 3) that
evening. Fish jumping everywhere. Wish we had brought fishing
gear.
Day 4 was planned as a restful day in advance of our final push over
Whitney. We moved camp 6mi's over established trails to Guitar Lake
(Camp 4) located at the back doorstep
of Mt. Whitney. Once again, we were able to capture primo camp
sites on the lake.
Some psyching up was required before striking out on Day 5. The
climb over Whitney was set for 10mi's, 3000ft vertical rise, and 4000ft
vertical drop down the front side to Outpost Camp (Camp
5). None of us would trade the experience despite our
collective exhaustion at the end of the day!!
A walk-in-the-park describes Day 6. Only 3.5 downhill miles to go
from Outpost camp (Camp 5) to the
parking lot at Whitney Portal. We arrived back in Lone Pine with all
bodies, gear and vehicles in tact. After a welcome shower and Pizza,
we headed home satisfied with the six days of effort.
Without qualification, this is one of the best hikes we've ever done.