9 miles straight up from the beautiful place that is Crabtree Meadows, 4 thousand foot elevation gain! It was tough, even with a only a daypack worth of gear. Yesterday I hiked 26 miles to make it to Crabtree, and after the 18 today, I think I am gonna take a half day off in this beautiful meadow to relax and recover a bit....
I can't believe I have hiked 766 miles on the PCT from Mexico now to the tallest mountain in the lower 48! What a trip... This is my second time on top of Mt. Whitney. Almost three years ago I had the privilege of summiting with my brother Casey, my father Keith, and good friend Danny. That was an amazing experience, and tough, but my summit today meant so much! To put a Nor*Cal*Hiker sticker in the highest register was so satisfying, to feel strong and healthy when i am in the middle of a rigorous climb means so much now. I am ashamed of how out of shape I allowed myself become due to pure laziness. I am a really lucky guy to be out here and having these experience and opportunities to learn lessons in such a great way...
I wish I could better describe to you the floods of emotions I feel out here. I cry nearly everyday, mostly good and raw tears. Not because I am sad but because my emotions are so strong, sometimes it is the only way to really release those emotions. Anyone who knows me at all knows how emotional I can be, only now I don't really feel any shame in that, when before I guess it made me feel weak...anyhow, enough rambling...enjoy some pics...
