People take on such a challenge expecting to meet the challenge. But people should certainly know what they are getting into! And no one knows till the hike is in process. I would think the thin atmosphere of Mt. Whitney to be something of challenge that has nothing to do with one's fitness. Simply the body's physiology.
Good stuff. Going myself this summer, and I have lots of Sierra experience but also know my limitations from hard experience. Also in my sixties and not planning any 15 mile days, until Whitney, with the last 10 being the downhill slog to the Portal.
When I was there, the Staff made it clear that they just want you to pick up your bucket and leave. They didn't want to sell cold drinks (especially not beer). There were no privy's near MTR. You can't use MTR's toilets. The "store" was very bare. Very different than Vermillion Valley Ranch. Where they DO want hikers to stay around (and spend money).
Hey Bart, great advice here. I started off watching your camper conversion which is excellent - very similar to my project that I'm working on - the main difference is that you have sunshine and I seem to be doing everything in rain and darkness - thanks to the Irish winter! I've done plenty of long distance trails in Europe but nothing as remote as thr JMT - sounds like a great trail for the future.
Great and best reminder, thanks a lot. 10 days untill my start of JMT. I have been training 300 miles with full loaded backpack last 5 weeks (two hikes in north of Sweden) not so much attitude😣 but rough terrain, almost just off trail. And 10 hours hill training last 2 weeks, with loaded backpack! Hope that will be enough🥴! Thanks a lot👍🙏🙂.
@@onthetrailwithbart523 Thanks Bart, Did it! Started åt Happy Isles second of September and climbed Whitney early morning the 13th of September. Thanks för all advice 🙏🙂👍
great video. you dont sugar coat things which is appreciated. hearing some of things you mention is making me think more on what i really do need to take not to mention mental fortitude. going in mid September. hoping we dont hit that October possible weather change
LOL, I'm glad I don't discourage easily. I'm a 5' woman 76 years old who plans to do the JMT solo from Horseshoe Meadows NOBO this august and Sept. . I'm fortunate to have a small mountain range locally that I am training on. The summit is at 9440' after a 4440' climb over 6 miles. The last 4 miles average 900' per mile. It's at the start of the Arizona Trail. I expect to finish training around Denver climbing 2 or 3 of the milder 14ers , camping at 10000' and 11000' so I should be altitude adjusted. If I've climbed Mt Elbert at 65' shorter than Mt Whitney, I may skip Whitney. I'll see. I'm prepared to abort the trip and exit if it becomes no fun or too much. I'm glad to see someone putting out the nitty gritty rather than the romance of the trail. I really appreciated how much of the trail itself that you videoed on the way to Onion Valley. That section appears a lot easier than what I am training daily on. Good wishes for your upcoming adventures.
Great advice all the way a round. I'm 62 so was interested in watching your videos. I live in Portland, OR. So I think OR then WA will be my PCT in the future.....northern WA will be my Sierras. ;-)
Hey, Thanks for watching. Yea, I'm kicking around starting at the Cal/Oregon border this summer and doing Oregon and maybe Washington too if I'm feeling strong.
