Viva Las Vegas- Greetings!

The kick off climb - Mt. Whitney 14,495ft ended up as a grueling 20 hour, 22 mile round trip climb for the three core 50forTibet team members who climbed the main Mt. Whitney trail. Here's the details:
Everyone awoke at the Whitney Portal campground at 1:30am and ended up hitting the trail at about 2:20am. After a few "wagbag" incidents most of the group hit the switchbacks at around 7am and slowly but surely making way to the trail crest after about 1500ft of elevation gain using crampons and ice axes- the switches were still significantly covered in snow. I would like to point out that Keith, Sandy, Denise, Jessie, and Heather had little or no experience with crampons before hand and did an amazing job. I'm really proud of them. This section of the climb was extremely difficult and according to quite a few of those who participated, it was the most physically demanding task they had ever attempted.
Meanwhile, another group on the mountaineer's route (including Conrad Anker, Peter Croft, John Ackerly, Tony Rowell, and Justin Black) were battling sections of vertical ice. From what I understand, the mountaineers route group had some difficult sections too. Congrats to all of you who successfully climbed the m - route.
The two groups communicated via walkie talkie that noon would be the time to meet John, Hal, and Steve arrived on the summit within 60 seconds of the m- route and Myself, Jessie and Keith joined them 30 minutes later. Both groups enjoyed champagne, each other's company and had a good meal before heading down. We had an amazing ceremony on the summit.
Those who took part in the main route enjoyed a glasade with perfect snow conditions- and again, a first for many of them. We had a couple of people with symptoms of dehydration (myself included) and others experienced some dizziness possibly related to altitude sickness or exhaustion. Know that everyone made it down safe, but deliriously sleepy.

My favorite part of the climb was how the group stuck together and conquered both the fear of a new experience and any problems or complications that arose. It was a blessing to have such kind spirited individuals accompany the 50forTibet team on our first climb. Thank you to all of you who participated including Diane who was unable to climb!

Quick note:

David was suffering some residual effects of the bronchitis bug he is fighting to recover from- and was turned back minutes from the summit. For all of you who pledged donations, please note that David (and Terri who was not able to join us for the same reason ) plan to take another crack at Whitney in August. I have opted to stay home for that one.

Thank you again to those who participated in this climb. I think it's important to all keep in touch. Feel free to blog anytime!

Love,

Jennifer

P.S. Steve Gardiner, John, David and myself managed to summit the rotten slag heap referred to as Boundary Peak, NV (13102?ft) around 12-noon today. David is feeling better, but still not 100%. We're heading to Flagstaff tomorrow and will climb Humphrey's Peak, AZ on Tuesday. Stay tuned . . .

Comments:

Comment from: cindy [Visitor]

Ye-haaa! Congratulations-what an exepected climb.

06/19/06 @ 11:54

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