Thanks for the help guys.
I will be somewhat prepared for the ice when I go to Whitney. As I said I am new to this, so I have no training. I am going with an experienced hiker, so I think I should be cool. We are hoping to summit but worse case scenario we make it to trail camp and get to be outdoors and enjoy a couple days of solitude....not to bad. I will be renting crampons from Sierra Elevations in Lone Pine and I'm looking for a good used ice axe as we speak.
As for the altitude sickness... I'm hoping for the best. I'm staying at the portals the Friday and Saturday before we start the hike. I already made the reservations!! Hopefully that will help. We will be taking our time on the hike so that should also help.
I will give the Baldy hike a shot in the next week or two. I'm going back to Baldy this weekend to do the Icehouse Canyon trail, but I'm going to wear my full pack this time. See what kind of difference that makes?!?
Thanks again for the help and hopefully we'll pass each other on the trail sometime
