Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports My failed attempt (advice?) - 6/10-6/12/12

Finally got around to posting this:

First off, I'd like to say thanks to anyone who contributes to this site. Because of this site, my trip (aside from not summiting) was a relative success!

Myself and two friends reached Whitney Portal at ~5pm on Sunday, June 10, 2012 to begin our journey to the top. As soon as we arrived at camp I knew something wasn't right with me. By 8 oclock I had a terrible fever. I ate a quick dinner, and wrapped myself with every piece of clothing I brought with me (literally!) then went to sleep. By 11 oclock pm I felt the fever "break" but I was still slightly sick.

The next morning I was up at 7:30a with better health and good spirits. Still slightly feeling the effects of the fever, however I was in the process of getting over it. My group and I packed up our packs and headed for the Portal Store for breakfast. After breakfast, we headed up to Lone Pine Lake. During the hike I felt great, no signs of sickness at all. We made it there, but headed right back to camp. Afterward we did much of nothing the rest of the evening.

We started up the trail at 3:32a, and I was feeling good. We reached Lone Pine Lake right as the sun was rising. We hung out and had breakfast while watching the sunrise. It was incredibly beautiful. I did feel a very slight headache, which I assumed was due to dehydration. The next time I filled my hydration pack, I tossed in a couple Propel powder packets for some electrolytes. This seemed to help, and I continued on. By the time we reached trail camp the headache had increased. I was urinating much more than what seemed normal (about 7 times by trail camp). I decided to press on, but take it slow. One member of our party stayed behind for other issues. Upon reaching trail crest, the headache was unbearable. I sat down while gawking at Sequioa Natl Park to rest. The headache never went away, and I knew I had to turn back. Made it back down at ~3p still with a slight headache.

I'm assuming I had the beginnings of AMS, however the headache was my only symptom. No shortness of breath, no loss of appetite, no nausea. Could dehydration have played a factor? I did drink nearly a gallon on the way up. Of course I want to try next year, is there anything I could do better/change?

Here is my favorite picture from the trip:

Beautiful picture ...Lone Pine Lake, right?

Most important: Next time, go when you don't have any fever issues.

If you were urinating that often, I'd say you were over-hydrating. There IS such a thing as hyponatremia (too much water without electrolytes) that can cause a headache. But you were using electrolytes, so that probably isn't it.

The headache is likely due to altitude. You sound like a candidate for Diamox, and more acclimatization: Spend time higher and longer next time -- maybe check out Horseshoe Meadows and try hiking around there.

BWEBB

So sorry to hear you got sick on you first attempt. Sometimes I get stressed out before I leave for hiking trips because I leave too much of the preparations for my trip until the last minute which results in me getting too little rest before I depart which results in not feeling well for my trip....this and my need for Diamox because I don't always allow enough time to acclimate for higher elevations results in me getting headaches ....I failed on my last attempt...but I'll be back in 2013 for another attempt...hope to see you on the trail.....last year Whitney Zoners put streamers on their poles to recognize other WZers on the trail....if you see pink and green streamers it might be me.

Sounds a bit like you may have suffered from anxiety.. this will cause people to have fevers, nausea, usually related to stress, from the worry of the hike. Water alone will cause an in balance in electrolytes Hyponatremia .. This causes headaches, body aches etc... I see Steve mentioned Diamox, I am not a believer in the pills as they in them selfs will cause dehydration without proper water and electrolytes together.. Also other side affects like really bad dreams... NOW please this is a personal opinion.. Its unfortunate that you didn't summit this time ..My recommendation, go again next week and I would be willing to bet you will walk right up to the summit and have the biggest smile ever..

I wish I could give it another shot, but I just started a new job so I may have to wait



Yes, Lone Pine Lake.

As far as the fever issues, I can tell you I'm the type of person that will have "summit fever", and my fever was not gonna stop me from attempting lol Obviously it wasn't ideal, but I had to try at least. Next year we are planning at camping overnight at trail camp and splitting the hike into two days.