Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Evolution Loop 2012

We left the trail head from South lake 2:45 AM headed for Bishop pass. For that time of night it was warm really warm, I knew it was going to be a tough day . We made it to the pass in 2 hrs flat , so we started our decent into Dusy basin headed for Laconte canyon, then for the second pass of the day... Muir pass. It was now 7AM as we started the long 8 miles of climbing for Muir pass. Laconte canyon was magical and alive with lots of deer, as we made our ascend for the pass we passed several through hikers, making their way towards the pass as well. We made Muir pass at 9:45AM still making good time we had a quick snack ,the goal was to only break for a max of 5 min every 10 miles, so off we went. It was beautiful and for a small moment I wished I was through hiking the PCT that would mean i could take off the pack and lounge for awhile, not the case though so we started our descent into the Evolution Valley, 15.2 miles to the San Jauquin river bridge.
We made a fast descent as the goal was to be at the muir bridge by 4:00PM, when we got to Evolution creek we had lunch 15 min and off we went, running the whole way from the pass to muir bridge, as we arrived at the bridge we were ahead of schedule by over an hour - perfect time to rest right? But NO we had 17.5 to Paiute pass!
We had covered 37 miles and it was HOT blazing hot, we started upwards for Paiute pass with the goal to be there no later than 7:30 , this meant keeping a 3 mile an hour average pace, after already covering 37 miles. Any one who knows this section will tell you it is steep and super hot.. This was our lowest point of the day at 8,000' so we start upwards one more time, we kept our pace strong. now the heat had me feeling like I wish i was through hiking as it would have been a perfect place by the creek to sit and RELAX , not so lucky keep drinking water and breathe as this is when the fun starts! there were no more conversations... it was head down and push, we made our goal of 7:30 PM on the money at Paiute pass.
We were both suffering with super sore feet, but again we put our heads down and made the descent from Paiute pass down to North lake where we had our car waiting.
We got to the car with an elapsed time 18:25. Moving time was 16:45. Our average moving speed was 3.2miles an hour, our average pace 2.9 for the day. 54 miles, three passes, 10,542 of elevation gain and loss and some super duper sore feet, and one hell of a good day!
It was special to us both as this was the date 3 years ago when i was lying in a hospital bed in critical condition from my motorcycle accident Thank youTracy for all your support and coaching could never be where I am without you..... Whitney tomorrow after a day of rest .. By the way all passes are clear of snow and perfect to pass over.....

MW85