*Click on title above to activate slideshow below
It was pitch black when Reg shook me awake and said, “Honey, I’m leaving.” Up until that point, I don’t think Reg had definitely decided to make the climb. It was 4:00 am and having made the decision to take a rest day, catch up on chores and better adjust to the altitude, I grunted and rolled over.
While I puttered around the campsite with three others who chose to remain behind, Reg and seven hikers from our group, along with Lane, one of our packers, journeyed to the top of the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. There is no easy way to the top, and from what Reg said, much of it was a group effort of encouragement.
The afternoon brought good news from all seven hikers. Everyone had made it to the top, the weather was perfect and Reg managed to correct his wrong turn on the way down…before ending up at the wrong trailhead.
Pictured above is Lane, our walking packer who often brought up the rear of our daily hikes – checking on our progress and making sure we had what we needed. According to Reg, he was full of encouragement in the early morning hours of the Whitney climb. The photo on the right shows Guitar Lake, shaped like, you guessed it, a guitar. What a surprise!
What other surprises will John Muir’s Trail hold for us?
carryoncouple 
Woohoo! So proud of you Reg!
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Thank you Jackie!
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Congratulations! You have inspired me to hike to the summit next year! I reached the top of Whitney in 1963 when I was 16 with my Dad but started from the Portal. I’ll keep you posted.
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Good for you! Let us know how it goes!
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Yay! Good job Reg!
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Hi Reg and Sue, I love how you are keeping us in suspense on your journeys Wow Reg, what a trooper!! Talk about the group when appropriate.
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That is such an accomplishment! Love all of your pictures!
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Congratulations Reg on getting to the top and to both of you for taking on such a rigorous hike. I admire you both for challenging yourselves. Thanks for letting those of us who can’t do this any more to enjoy the beautiful places you travel.
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Congratulations Reg! That is quite an accomplishment to make it to the top of Mt. Whitney! Mucho Respectamundo!
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Great going Reg. That is tough going Northbound to go up Whitney right away on the JMT. I truly believe I was able to do it because I was acclimated and went SOBO. I honestly feel we never conquer a mountain they graciously let us visit them. Great job to both of you. Thanks for the memories. Happy trails
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Respect!!!
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Such a pleasure hiking with you both ❤ what an amazing blessing and adventure together.
One that will be in my heart forever.
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It was an incredible adventure. So glad to have shared it with you!
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