Trying to fit a square peg into a round hole!

Packing Check List:

-crampons... CHECK

-ice axe      ... CHECK

-ability to use them... QUESTIONABLE

(however I did watch a video 0n how to self arrest)

Just finished packing, not an easy task!  Due to the weather conditions on the mountain, I had to include "snow gear" in addition to all the other necessities. This was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole!  In the end it all fits and could possibly weigh more than I do. (should make for a fun hike tomorrow)

The adventure begins 5:00AM TOMORROW!!!

Updated weather forcast:

Friday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Calm wind becoming southwest between 5 and 8 mph. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible. 

Friday Night: Scattered snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming west between 4 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Southeast wind at 10 mph becoming west northwest. 

Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. 

Countdown is on...

Well... after weeks of preparation it is finally here!  We will be heading to Mt. Whitney on Friday with mixed emotions.  The weather forecast is not in our favor.  A front is moving in for the weekend brining with it snow, rain and thunder storms.

After much consideration, we have decided to rent crampons and ice axes.  We are all still determined to summit, however will put safety first.  I guess only time will tell...

Whitney or Bust 2009