June 17th, on the way to resupply in the town of Bishop .I exited the PCT via Kearsarge pass. 11700 ft above sea level .the  climb was as exciting as the two previous days. These last 3 days Whitney, Forester, Kearsarge were the most adrenaline-filled days of my entire life.

Next big climb

Me and Wizkid Forester pass 13200 feet above sea level .This ascent was more difficult than the summit climb on Whitney. Both days had  spine-tingling traverses . But snow obscured the Switchback trails  on the shoot , south-facing slope approaching Forester pass. It was a long slow wall hug straight up to that mountain pass.crampons and Ice axe the whole way. After the pass it was one long glissade down the other side our speed averaged six miles per hour on The Descent

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Endorphin and adrenaline

After climbing Whitney, I felt like I could do anything. Near the end of our hiking day, this stream Crossing was relatively easy and provided a boost as one more challenge is behind us. Less than 1 mile later we met our match. A stream that was so swollen by the days snow melt that we could not cross it safely . Our last failed attempt left us soaking wet as the sun went down. We pray for below-freezing temperatures to reduce the amount of runoff in the Stream to make the crossing easier in the morning. Another night camping on snow pack. And soaking wet boots mean solid blocks of ice to put on our feet in the morning. As soon as I wake up, I put my boots in the dry sack I use for my sleeping bag, I curl around them in the fetal position inside my sleeping bag until the ice melts enough to put them on my feet. The Crossing in the morning went much easier. the stream was still a raging torrent that nearly knocked me off my feet but the endorphins and the adrenaline make it all manageable and gives you the head of steam for the next big climb

Whitney Summit

Mount Whitney Summit tallest mountain in the lower 48 states 14,500 ft

We Camped at Guitar Lake and begin our Ascent Before Sunrise

I am proud of my accomplishment but I acknowledge that I could not have done it alone.

The positive energy from the group that welcomed me has filled me with new confidence

Happiness abounds in this Pleasant group of young people

I joined a herd

I fell down an icy slope. My confidence was the only thing shattered. I backtracked to the town of Lone Pine and purchased Mountaineering  boots, crampons, ice axe, thick trousers and Gators to protect my legs from the crampons and the inevitable Falls. On the mountains I could feel the advantage the new gear gave me, but my confidence did not come back until I joined a group.

Kennedy Meadow

Kennedy Meadow is like a birthday party for everyone. As you first approached the General Store everyone cheers you on to celebrate your arrival. Everyone in the trail Community is your family, and they are proud to see that you have made it this far. Next you pick up your packages. The next stage of your life, on this Trail will be very different and you will need a new set of toys.
Then you eat cake. At the Grumpy Bear Restaurant they serve pancakes that are the size of a large pizza. I was the first at the bar to finish my entire breakfast and I received a round of applause as though I just blew out candles on my birthday cake. The last seven hundred miles of desert seemed harsh at the time. But it was Child's Play compared  to the adult life that awaits us in the Sierra Wilderness Area.

Extended family

I met a young woman named Savannah on the summit of San Jacinto. Her family supports her Intrepid nature. On this blistering hot day in the desert they set up a hamburger stand on the trail. Mom served fresh fruit, and Dad tended the grill. Cold drinks for everyone.
The Israeli soldiers set up shade canopy using trekking poles and bed sheets. The hiking Community is the most inclusive group that I know . Some Trail Angels don't hike . They provide support for hikers in many various ways and enjoy being part of this linear community