Went back to San J Sunday for our practice hike. Everyone was loaded up with the exact gear they plam to have Friday on Whitney. Woke up at 0100, got ready and met up with everyone at 0200. Made the drive to Idyllwild, pulled a permit (which was checked twice) and was hiking by headlamp at 0330. Two members had never used a headlamp before. Enjoyed sunrise and breakfast at the fire lookout on Tahquitz Peak. Quickly dropped 700 feet along the spur trail/PCT before hitting Saddle Junction. From there it's just uphill. Weather was incredible all day - never got too cold or windy or too hot. Spent a 1/2 hour on the peak and headed down.
We took 15 hours on the trail hiking 22 miles and gaining 5900 feet total in elevation. My Whitney plan calls for 18 hours so I think we are doing ok.
Right now I have a turn around time planned for 1200, but might stretch it to 1300 depending on weather, etc. Does that sound reasonible? We are hitting the trail at 0200 and I expect a slower pace than on San J.
#1 goal is to return home safely, #2 is to summit. How many hours it takes to complete these goals doesn't matter to me, we aren't trying to impress anyone. My thoughts are as long as we are headed downhill with enough gear to hold us overnight in an emergancy than it doesn't matter if it takes us 12 hours to finish the hike or 22.
Thoughts?..................................DUG
