I'm coming to realize that, Bill. I've gone up Whitney each of the last two summers, but have managed to squeeze in dayhikes of Mono Pass, Cottonwood Pass and Lakes, Little Lakes Valley, the Ancient Bristlecones, and a few shorter Yosemite routes during those two trips. Getting my wife and daughter up the blonde is definitely the centerpiece of this trip, but other hikes and peaks in the Sierra are beckoning as I become more familiar with the area. Going with Bob P's advice, I plan to take my family up Mt. Dana this trip, along with a few other shorter dayhikes.
I'm sure we'll continue to make this annual family expedition centered around Whitney into the forseeable future, but I'm also sure we'll try very hard to hit a couple of new peaks each trip as well. Guess I'll have to break down and finally buy a Secor guide.
The problem is: so many hikes and peaks available, but so little time! One two-week trip to the Sierra each year doesn't begin to scratch the surface. John (catpappy) has described to me at length his ramblings back in the Miter Basin, and it sounds like something I'd like to do if I can get the opportunity. Laura M has also prompted me to hit that area, as well as Kearsarge and Bishop Passes.
I'm sure that whatever we come up with for a Plan B will make a Plan A in most other areas pale in comparison. For eight years we spent our summers visiting and hiking in almost every major national park east of the Mississippi. After visiting everything but the Yellowstone/Glacier/Tetons area, we've found the Sierra to be our favorite.
