Whitney Reflection...

Looking back at my prior trip to Whitney, I have been mulling over many of the details and decisions made for quite some time now. It has been three long weeks since I made the attempt with six others, including my good friend Mark. Though the each member in the group had the potential to make the summit, only two of our members topped out. Now each story is different, but there is some overlap between the many possible perturbations of causes. I can speak from my own experience what contributed to my miss at the opportunity. Rather than delving too heavily into each, I'll keep it brief. Whether or not this helps anyone else, it's a record to myself of what I can change next go-'round. Already we are considering another visit to the Eastern Sierras to attempt the mighty summit again under winter conditions.

Whhhyyyyy????...

Mount Whitney's Mountaineers Route, CA -- Mar 10, 2011 (First Attempt)

New video (as of 3/27/2011)
First Attempt at Mt. Whitney (Inyo National Forest)

Ben Watson on Vimeo.

Until I can muster up the energy to give a TR, here are some pics to wet the appetite...

Mount Whitney and the Needles looming in the distant ridgeline. Thor Peak at the center.

Some intersection near Edwards AFB, where the 395 crosses an actual paved highway. Quite the picturesque restaurant.

On the drive in at sunset, this huge lenticular cloud sat above the southern end of the Sierras, just over that hill.

Click to see more...