Getting in Shape

So last week I decided to test whether I was in trapping shape or not by climbing Mt. Whitney with a group of buddies. Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states so I thought it would be a good test of my physical prowess, and I figured if I saw any critter sign while I was there, I could always stay and be a California resident. NOT!!!

So here is a good looking stud right at sun up . . . at about 13,000 feet.



We came upon this high mountain lake, but I didn't see any beaver sign there. Pretty tough to make a living with no timber within a couple of miles.



Once we got a bit more elevation, I could scan the area for more sign. Somewhere out there, in all those vast miles, there is probably a female who HAS SHAVED something besides her head in the last 3-4 years, but you'd have to look hard. I never saw one all the time I was there.



And here I am at the summit.



It was treacherous and I couldn't have made it without other would-be mountaineers.

That's Awesome stuff Tracy... It's nice to know that your lungs didn't collapse from lack of oxygen at that elevation. Great pic's

Looks like a blast! How many miles from trail head to the top?

nvsage wrote:

Looks like a blast! How many miles from trail head to the top?

11 miles from trailhead to summit, so a 22 mile round trip experience.

I am tired just reading and looking at pictures !!!

Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states and I believe the lowest point is only about a 100 miles away. Am I correct on this Tracy? Good pics.

bfflobo wrote:

Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states and I believe the lowest point is only about a 100 miles away. Am I correct on this Tracy? Good pics.

Yes, we have to drive through Death Valley to get to the mountain. 105 degrees in Death Valley that day and mid-40's on top of the mountain. Quite a contrast. They have a race every year . . . I think in July . . . where they run from Death Valley to the top of Mt. Whitney. If you can do that, you're a stud.