July 18, 2013 - Whitney Portal

Title: July 18, 2013 - Whitney Portal

Hike Info:

Trail: John Muir Trail

Starting location:  Trail Camp

Destination:  Whitney Portal

Distance:  6.3 miles

Start Time:  9:47

End Time:  2:44

Travel Time: 5:49 ( mph)

Moving Time: 3:59 ( mph). 

Elevation Rise: 147'

Maximum Elevation:   11,810

Description:

Guard Marmot watching us

Sun was already risen when I got up at 6:30. We had said that we could sleep in today. Tried to get up without distributing Sherri. George, Chris, and Steve were about to leave when I greeted them. It's their earliest start. They must be ready to end their journey, as are we. 

Wooten's Throne Loaming Over Us

On our part, Sherri does not get up until well after 7, when the sun's rays are penetrating my shirt. What a difference it is to be up at 12,000'. We are not in a hurry. We dilly-dally around and do not get moving until 10. A trail crew is working on the section of the trail around us. But they are pretty quiet and work efficiently.

Down we go through this crack

The way out of Trail Camp, and for the next 2+ miles is pretty steep and rocky. So we do not make much time, only about a mile an hour. But as a consolation, we got to stop and talk with a guy who offered Sherri an apple. Also a little while later, we came upon a lone woman hiking. We talked for a few minutes, then she asked a few questions about conditions at Trail Camp. She was out of uniform and is the District Ranger for Inyo. Her name is Margaret. An enjoyable woman

Mirror Lake was our next stopping place. It was a pleasant place to rest for awhile.  Sherri even took off her boots and relaxed her toes in the lake. We continued past Outpost Camp-glad we did not stop there. The only redeeming thing about this was a nice waterfall. But the grounds were mostly gravel, with a few trees.

Cascade out of Lone Pine Lake

After this, the trail became much more like a trail and we really took off, barely pausing for a break. We made it down the steep descent at a good pace. Even though some people passed us, we did good. We could see the road, then a half an hour later, we saw cars in the parking lot at Whitney Portal (36.58648, -118.23888). Then we finally came into view of the trail's end, and there was Steven. A joyful hug was given. A wonderful sight to see. Our journey was completed.

Final Creek Crossing

Entering Whintey Portal

I cannot say there was euphoria, or even exhaustion, or a brilliant revelation. We were done with the trail for now. We had enjoyed the time and now it was time to get on with our next things-enjoying our family, enjoying our life, which is what the last 24 days have been about. Of course, there were a couple  of priorities: finding the bathroom, finding this moose burger we have been dreaming about since Yosemite, and finding a shower. The bathroom came soon and provided much relief. The moose burger was a bit of disappointment-the fries were good. The shower came in the form of a hotel room at the Comfort Inn in Lone Pine.

We spent time just relaxing and writing and reading. Then went out for dinner at the Totem Cafe-pricey, but good. Then back to the hotel room and to sleep after a little while.

Today's JMT Lesson:  It is OK to stop when we need to, know our limitations, and enjoy what we have.

The End

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks
Oatmeal and add-ins, such as dried peaches, strawberries, nuts, granola. Tang.	Peanut Butter and Nutella on crackers	Totem Cafe	Clif Bar, Jelly Bellies, CytoMax, Propel, GORP, Bank Balls