October 5

~18 miles

We were up before the sun to get a start on the day, and were underway as the sun rose. Once onto the westside switchbacks the trail was increasingly covered in snow and ice from the storm two days previous. And it was cold climbing as the sun was blocked until we were closer to the summit. Our progress was slowed a bit by the snow and ice on an already rocky trail, navigable in trail runners without any traction devices, as long as one was cautious. Once at Trail Junction, we mixed in with day hikers from Whitney Portal, some overly geared with full climbing crampons which actually slowed them as the trail was a mix of rocks, boulders and ice. We had to make our way around some of them to keep moving steadily to the summit. 

Once arriving, it was emotional for the three of us given the challenge of the climb into the Sierra, and the feeling of accomplishment having arrived there via a cross country trek from Death Valley! Urs was at the summit to greet us, having hiked up from Whitney Portal the night before. He was proudly waving a Swiss flag when he saw us. We took some pictures, and took in the vast views, then made our way down.

We’d originally planned to stop 3 miles short of the portal at Lone Pine Lake for one last night in the mountains, but after two very cold nights, we all agreed to push on to the portal that afternoon. We were met at the portal by Matt and Mike, and were treated to burgers from the portal cafe. Once fed, we bundled into a van with Matt and his wife Indy, and drove back to the Pless home in Las Vegas. The following day would provide time to rest and relax, and enjoy a terrific sushi dinner, before we all flew home the following day.