For Matthew and me, it was a half-day ordeal, approximately 12:15 (when the storm broke and we left the Trail Crest) to six (when we hiked into the Portal) on Friday afternoon. As we drove back into Lone Pine around 6:30, the storm was clearing up, at least down below. I gather from the Portal Store forum that others spent the night on the mountain and walked out the next morning.
Saturday dawned sunny, but driving home to Reno that afternoon we were hammered again by another storm, complete with thunder, lightning and the most intense, sheeting rain I've ever experienced. We read in the weather reports this series of storms is particularly slow-moving, which makes for hours and hours of fun (?!). For anyone who had a Saturday permit that was canceled or delayed, please know it was better to be disappointed and safe--you were fortunate to not be on Whitney when the storm hit.
I am working on posting photos, but having some trouble with the length of time it takes to upload them. I hope to have this solved soon.
Thanks to all for your encouraging and supportive comments! It feels good to be part of a community.
