Tom's Big Adventure.......to highest point in US
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,539
Tom's Big Adventure.......to highest point in US
Well today, after many months of training, off I go to hike Mt. Whitney tomorrow morning.
While I have been in pretty good shape off and on thru the years, there is NO way I could be doing this if it were not for my sobriety!!
I am in the best shape physically I have been in for over 15 years. The sense of accomplishment, the stress and anxiety release, and freedom from addiction and depression is amazing with a good strong physical excercise program.
We hike from the Whitney portal at 8,360' 11 miles one way to 14,495', then back in the same day.
I have done most of this hike about 7 years ago, but turned back due to weather and it being late in the day.
I would like to thank all those here at SR and in AA for all your help and assistance in sobriety.
It feels SO GOOD TO BE SOBER!!!
If I can do this, so can you!
GO for it!!
While I have been in pretty good shape off and on thru the years, there is NO way I could be doing this if it were not for my sobriety!!
I am in the best shape physically I have been in for over 15 years. The sense of accomplishment, the stress and anxiety release, and freedom from addiction and depression is amazing with a good strong physical excercise program.
We hike from the Whitney portal at 8,360' 11 miles one way to 14,495', then back in the same day.
I have done most of this hike about 7 years ago, but turned back due to weather and it being late in the day.
I would like to thank all those here at SR and in AA for all your help and assistance in sobriety.
It feels SO GOOD TO BE SOBER!!!
If I can do this, so can you!
GO for it!!
Tom....right on. 
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 1,539
Never did give you and update...........the hike was an awesome experience!!!
It had already snowed twice this year at Mt. Whitney, even in October. A pretty darn cold day, with temp. swings of more than 20 degrees. The wind blowing around 15 mph. By the time we had hiked 6.3 miles, at an altitude of 12,000', it was 25-30 degrees w/o the wind chill. Still another 2,500' and 4.5 miles to go.
Looking up at the 97 switchbacks on the final face, which gains 1,700' of altitude in 2 1/2 miles, we had to make a choice. We were somewhat prepared for some cool weather, but not freezing temps and snow/ ice.
We made the difficult choice to turn back, and not risk our lives or injury. 5 people had already died this year, inc. one the Monday before (albiet cuz he tried to slide down a snow chute, 1,500', sliding on his butt........probably should get the Darwin award for being the biggest fool in the world)
My 3rd time at Mt. Whitney, and the summit still alludes me...........
All in due time I say. My time will come.
It had already snowed twice this year at Mt. Whitney, even in October. A pretty darn cold day, with temp. swings of more than 20 degrees. The wind blowing around 15 mph. By the time we had hiked 6.3 miles, at an altitude of 12,000', it was 25-30 degrees w/o the wind chill. Still another 2,500' and 4.5 miles to go.
Looking up at the 97 switchbacks on the final face, which gains 1,700' of altitude in 2 1/2 miles, we had to make a choice. We were somewhat prepared for some cool weather, but not freezing temps and snow/ ice.
We made the difficult choice to turn back, and not risk our lives or injury. 5 people had already died this year, inc. one the Monday before (albiet cuz he tried to slide down a snow chute, 1,500', sliding on his butt........probably should get the Darwin award for being the biggest fool in the world)
My 3rd time at Mt. Whitney, and the summit still alludes me...........
All in due time I say. My time will come.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
