First of all ... I have to thank everyone who has so generously supported my fundraising efforts for the American Lung Association -- Climb for Clean Air. I've reached the 2/3 point in the fundraiser and am on track to meet my goal of $3,500. If you haven't had a chance to learn about my fundraiser please visit my website (www.myClimbLog.com). I still have a signifant effort to complete my fundraising in the next few weeks. It is a great cause!
I promised that I would update everyone on my preparations and training climbs. This past week I spent four days in central California climbing Mt. Whitney. At 14,494, Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48. After a 14 hour drive from Kennewick on Wednesday, we successfully summitted Whitney in two days (Thurs & Fri).
We couldn't have been blessed with better weather. The first day was extremely tough. I felt quite sick, feeling both the altitude and a lack of proper fueling and water. It was a serious wake-up call for additional aerobic activity needed to prepare for Rainier. Luckily, after spending the night at our high camp (12,500 ft.) with single digit temperatures ... I seem to have acclimated; and woke for our summit day feeling really good. The final pitch to the summit (see video below) was extremely steep ... which gave us some new experience, and really stressed our lungs, legs, and nerves.
Following the extremely hairy 1500 ft climb up the snow chute (couloir) to the "notch," we crossed the north edge of the summit along a traverse which followed a rock wall just below the summit. That last traverse to the summit was quite narrow with a lot of exposure.Ultimately we summitted, signed the logbook, and heading back to the trailhead. Our total climb time was 16-18 hours.
