My friend Alex and I came up with the idea to tackle Mount Whitney as this year’s physical challenge. Without much training, we found ourselves in Lone Pine with all our gear for an overnight stay on the mountain and two very willing companions, Michelle and Tommy. We started off the hike with lots of energy and excitement following the trail and taking in the breathtaking scenery. The mountain peak continuously looming in the distance as we made our way up to our camp site. Talking to fellow hikers on their way down fueled us with hope that we could summit the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. We slowly made our way to Trail Camp and celebrated our half way point by having dinner and setting up our tents. We all tried to sleep as best as we could given the altitude and commotion of the camp site, at the foot of the 97 switchbacks to reach Trail Crest. Starting our second day journey at 5:30a, we started climbing with only the stars and our headlamps as the only light to be seen. Traversing rock, snow, and ice, the four of us made it to the summit in about 5 hours. Now believing the worse was behind us, we made the grueling trek back down the entire mountain. This leg of the hike was the most challenging as we pushed our minds and bodies beyond what most of us had felt before. In the end, we did it. We climbed the tallest peak and we did it together. Each of us taking turns being the motivation and encouragement for one another. This was a challenge, adventure, and exciting feat to accomplish and a chance to explore the beauty of Mother Nature that is Mount Whitney.

Mitchell