August 3-13, 2008

Crescent Meadow to Mt. Whitney (71 miles)

Mt. Whitney to Whitney Portal (11 miles)

82 miles total

The High Sierra Trail (HST) is the classic west/east (trans-sierra) route, just as

the John Muir Trail (JMT) is the classic north/south route. Most parties take a

week or less to complete the route. We took 9 days because we were on

vacation. The trip surpassed all expectations. No photolog can convey the

overwhelming beauty and majesty of this trip. The experiences were so

complete and fulfilling so as to make the following, despite my best efforts,

completely inadequate. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it, and perhaps, you

might even be a little inspired.

Photos are from Caroline Reutter, Websailor, and G.Dan Mitchell Photography.

All photos are under copyright and are used by permission.

Participating Talus Dancers:

Caroline (Tilley Fig Bar)

Dan (Stud Man)

Emily (Binky)

Ernie (Jester)

Owen (LiteBoy)

Steve (Hank)

DAY 0 - Giant car shuttle

On August 3, we drove 7-8 hours from various points in the San Francisco Bay Area

to Whitney Portal, the end point of our hike. We routed through Bakersfield to take

advantage of lots of high speed divided highway. We left a vehicle at Whitney Portal.

Another was left in Lone Pine since it refused to climb the hill to Whitney Portal. Then

we drove 4½ hours back around, again through Bakersfield to Three Rivers, which is

just down the hill from our starting point, Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park.

We stayed at the Comfort Inn. Tilley was dropped off in Three Rivers en route to

Whitney Portal. She got to check in early and layout by the pool. Jester headed up

to Lodgepole in Sequoia N.P. a few days early to acclimatize.