Mount Whitney
Ascent of Mount Whitney (Mountaineer's Route, class 3), August 8, 2000
Timeline:
It was probably foolish to climb the Mountaineer's Route alone with so little mountaineering experience, but I did it anyway. I suppose that's how you build experience. On August 7, I hiked up from Whitney Portal to a small tarn located between Upper Boy Scout Lake and Iceberg Lake, where I camped. I remember stopping at Lower Boy Scout Lake on the approach to take a nap. That was rejuvenating. The next morning, I left camp early to climb the Mountaineer's Route. Other than a little ice in the North-facing gully at the top (easily avoidable), it was straightforward and I had no trouble on the route. There were crowds on the summit, and someone kindly took my picture. I can't remember if I spent a second night at my camp, but I don't think I did.Â