Eric and Mike trying to figure out what gear we should bring from our camp at Whitney Portal (8,300 ft)
Starting the trek up to our high camp
Eric looking ready to head higher
"Is this really the right trail?"
The answer was no!
Looking back down Whitney Portal to Lone Pine
Long way up to go still
Me sporting my Mr. Blue outfit
A good look at what we came to climb
Still heading up
"Is the weather starting to change?"
"Yes"
A look back to our lovely lunch spot
High camp (around 12,000 ft) with the weather not looking so good up on top of Whitney
That doesn't mean we still don't live well (yes, that is a pork chop we are cooking up)
A little cold, but the pork chop is helping
"Man it is cold"
Shelter
Livin' the good life
Things clear and we get a good look at Whitney (largest peak on right)
Weather is good and spirits are high the morning of the climb
Oh yeah, still more hiking to do, but now in the snow
Matt hiking onward toward Whitney. Our route was the arete running up the right side ("The East Buttress")
Finally up to start of climb (A sharp eye will show a following party in red in center of photo)
Mike readying the first belay.
Mike belaying (and keeping warm with his glacier glasses).
"I hope the sun comes back soon."
Me belaying (and again sporting another Mr. Blue outfit)
The beautiful Mt. Russell in the background.
Matt contemplating the next lead.
Me looking up to where I have to get to next.
The end is in sight though.
Self-portrait No. 1.
Matt looking pensive.
Me being happy to be there and having blue skies.
Self-portrait No. 2
On top of Whitney! (and praying/worring about possible lightning!)
On top of Whitney - 14,505 ft (highest peak in the lower 49)
Trying to get out of there as fast as we can before weather changes.
Descent down the Mountaineers route under shadow of Whitney.
