St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

For those of you who know, I've been prepping for a bucket list moment and am preparing to leave later this evening.

The short story is that I'm heading to Whitney Portal at 8000 feet to acclimate to the elevation before attempting to climb Mount Whitney this Friday and as such the Weekly Photo Challenge moments may be delayed.
- carry on adding images, or voting, or whatever until I return! S-

The long story is that I was in a slump awhile back and decided to visit nature, or what I call Church. I'd always wanted to climb Mount Baldy, and how hard could it be any way. On the way out I saw a parking lot full of people at Icehouse Canyon and thought I'd give that a try.

Being a bit competitive I don't like people passing me (I'm getting therapy for it), but when I came to an interesting rock I had to stop. Hearing someone coming I moved out of the way and heard, That's An Interesting Rock, Isn't It? Not wanting to be rude I said yes and he went on.

One thing lead to another, Mount Whitney was brought up, I said I keep getting snowed out, and he said, I have a permit for four people, wanna go? Uh...YAH!

Since then I've been peaking the SoCal high-points and doing what I can to prep. Ten and eleven thousand foot peaks are fine, but there's nothing like the 14,500 that's called Mount Whitney.

It's said that two out of three people who try to day-trip it (10.7 miles each way) don't make it, and some die of such things as pulmonary edema.

I'm slower than I used to be, but have wanted to do this since I was old enough to know about it, so while I expect to get worked I'm going to give it everything I have, dig down, man-up and crawl if I have to.

It's dangerous to come from the valley floor at 1,200 feet where I live and try to make it to 14,500 in one day so I'm leaving later tonight to acclimate at 8,000 feet for the next few days.

Prayers and encouragement are welcome, but don't worry, I know my limits and in the end, the mountain will be there long after I'm gone so I'm not going to risk my life on one trip. I'll push, I'll stop thinking, get out of my way, and push some more, but if I feel altitude sickness I'm coming down.

I wish I remembered where I read it, but while trolling Facebook last night I came across something about climbing that said: Breathe Deeply and Take Small Steps. Sounds like a mantra for life!

There are a few things I want to shoot while I'm there, but otherwise I think I'll just walk the meadow and take it all in. It will be good to spend time in church again!

My thanks and prayers are with you all. Breathe Deeply and Take Small Steps! S-

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Way to go Steve, good luck and have fun.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Thank you and god bless! S-

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Congratulations and good luck! I hope you make it. I've had an idea in mind for this weeks challenge but the weather has not cooperated plus lots of other things got in the way. Maybe I still have some time to git r done. Let us know how it went when you return.

Walt

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Send any and all ideas in a PM! Cheers, S-

Rongnongno Loc: FL

The real problem is getting down (This from an ex Chasseur Alpin...)

macsmom Loc: S Carolina

Sounds like you have everything lined out correctly. I'm so glad you're going for a bucket list item -- I wish I'd started earlier. In Jan I spent my 60th BD getting to the top of a small mtn on mainland Antarctica. Snow was deep, and I'm a woman with short legs, so saying it was a challenge doesn't really describe it... worth every second of effort though.

So more power to you! I think you'll make it. You always get something just out of making an effort anyway. It took me 5 years and 3 tries to get to Antarctica. I admire anyone who keeps at it.

Here's my favorite saying: "Wear out, don't rust out." Good luck. Godspeed. Charlie

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

One step at a time! S-

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I wanted to do a marathon by the time I was forty, but folded my knee in a dirt-bike accident which put me out for awhile, then time went on, and you know the rest.

And yes, sometimes you look for the light, sometimes the light finds you! S-

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

The closest I ever got to matching your feat was when I climbed Mt. Fuji at a paltry 12,398 feet. Ahhhhh but it was worth it! (Well, I did swim the 2.4 mile open ocean swim portion of an Iron Man competition once - but that was at sea level)

simonbowen Loc: hampton court uk

Personally, I think you're barking mad! But I'm full of admiration.
Good luck - and don't be rash.

Mountainlife

Great to know you are climbing a mountain. Small steps in steady rhythm is really the way that won't tire you. Best wishes for your success. Hope to see some pictures from your trip.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I've been called worse! S-

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut

Good luck Steve. At best, you succeed to summit. At worst, you'll know you tried and gave it your best shot. No one can do more than that. :thumbup:

Cotondog Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada

It sounds like this will be a great exercise for both your mind and body. Congratulations for taking on this personal and exciting challenge. My thoughts and well-wishes will follow you up that mountain.