By Steve Heye, Pulaski Chapter Outings Chair
Last year’s Ozark Society trip to the John Muir Trail and Mt. Whitney was a success for all but Robert Ordeneaux and trip leader, Steve Heye. Steve had to pull out when a case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever took over. Steve, however is determined to make it to the top of Whitney this summer. He is looking for two others to join him on the backpack adventure.
Steve has procured permits for three to hike the Sierra’s around Whitney. He has a permit for sure to hike August 21 to August 26 from the Cottonwood Pass campground, using the Pacific Crest trail to the John Muir trail and on to Whitney Portal. 35 miles total over 6 days. That’s only 6 miles a day on average, so this means time to enjoy the area from camp.
Steve has another line running for a permit to hike Whitney. He has entered a lottery that would allow the group of 3 to hike directly from Whitney Portal up to the top and back to the Portal over 3 or 4 days. Should Steve win the Lottery, this will be the itinerary for the group’s hike in place of the hike from Cottonwood to Whitney Portal.
The dates to start are various days from mid-July to early August. Steve will know if he won a lottery permit on or about March 24th.
If you are interested in possibly joining Steve, email him: Heye@aristotle.net and let him know. There will be room for just two, so let him know soon. Training hikes will begin in April and all are invited whether you’re going to California or not. We had fun last year and we will this time as well.