Whitney in the Rearview

22 miles, 7,000 feet of elevation change, a summit of 14,500 feet and 16 hours later, we summitted Mount Whitney in one day. It was one of the toughest challenges Rich and I have faced, but thankfully we had some very patient seasoned hikers with us "sea level" hikers to encourage us along the way. Our group included our best friends Chance and Melissa Trombetti, Michelle Amthor, Chance's parents, and their friend Jacob. Melissa joined us for all of the prep hikes, but unfortunately wasn't able to climb Mount Whitney with us this year. For a great reason, though--She is expecting their first child due in December!

Melissa, Michelle and I at Chance's parents before leaving for Mt. Whitney

Our journey started at Bob and Lydia's (Chance's parents) house in Wrightwood, CA. They were kind enough to provide an awesome breakfast of pancakes, bacon, fresh mango and melon to get us started off on the right foot. Afterwards, we packed in two cars and headed to Lone Pine, CA to pick up our hiking passes from the interpretive center at the base of Mount Whitney. That night we carbo loaded with pizza and pasta and went to bed early for a 3:00 a.m. wakeup call to begin a very long day.

Early the next morning, we groggily rolled out of bed and headed to the mountain. My day began poorly not only due to the fact that I'm not the least bit of a morning person, but also because the first thing I saw at the mouth of the trail was a bear! As exciting as this was, it also worried me as I recalled all the food I was carrying on my back which then led to images of bear attacks flashing through my mind. Sometimes this overactive imagination isn't all its cracked up to be lol. Nonetheless, our fearless group hit the trail and quite quickly we were 2.3 miles in at Lone Pine Creek where we saw our first bit of snow.

Michelle at Lone Pine Creek

From there, the trail wound up a large stone staircase and we found ourselves using our poles quite a bit. Eventually we reached the next major checkpoint, Trailside Camp, 6.3 miles into our trek. We stopped here for a quick bite and to refill water using Bob's awesome filter (more to come on that in a later post) before heading up the 96 switchbacks that lead to Trail Crest.

Taking a break on the switchbacks with the summit behind me

Upon reaching Trail Crest at 8.5 miles, I could tell our whole group was excited and hopeful that we would reach the summit. What I didn't expect was how hard the last last 2.5 miles to the summit would be. Trail Crest is gorgeous because you can see the valley you've just hiked to your right and Mt.Hitchcock and the Great Western Divide to your left. At this point, you are on the back side of Mount Whitney approaching the summit from behind. It was here that I realized how tired I was and that we still had a long way to go on this back side. The hope that came from seeing the summit from the front side quickly faded when I saw the little specks of black on the ice field nearly two miles away and realized they were people heading to the summit and I still had to get to that point. But, the views of guitar and hitchcock lakes quickly captured my attention and helped me keep thoughts of giving up at bay. It also helped to have such supportive friends there pushing me along and telling me I could do it!

Rich and I on the backside with the lakes.

After what seemed like another 10 miles (but was actually just 2), we crossed the last snow field and found ourselves at the summit of Mount Whitney. I was so completely exhausted that I teared up a bit and was overcome with a feeling of accomplishment I haven't experienced in a long time. I was also extremely proud of our whole group for persevering and pushing each other to make it to this point. We spent a few minutes at the top, signed the log book, changed our socks and then turned around to head back down the mountain.

Bob, Michelle, Me, Rich, Jacob and Chance at the summit!

Overall, the journey up and down Mount Whitney in 1 day was far harder than I anticipated. My body responded pretty well to the altitude but I was definitely more challenged physically than I'd imagined. All of my equipment faired well and I learned a lot about what I do and do not need for Kilimanjaro. Despite the fact that we took 5 hours longer than we'd originally thought we would, I was still impressed with everyone in our group for finishing. I was also extremely grateful to Bob, Lydia and Jacob for their patience with us in reaching the summit. I have no doubt they all could have finished in a much more timely fashion, but their presence and guidance were greatly appreciated by all of us first-timers. At the end of the day, it was humbling and fulfilling to know that we climbed to the highest point in the contiguous United States and back. I'd say we earned our t-shirts!

Rich, Michelle, Me and Chance with our Mt.Whitney t-shirts after summitting.










One Month From Today...We'll be Saying Farewell!

Wow. I just looked at the calendar, and it hit me-- one month from today we'll be on a flight from San Diego to Amsterdam, where we'll meet up with my Dad before heading off to Tanzania. It's absolutely amazing to me that this dream I've carried since I was a little girl is actually going to be a reality in four short weeks. I'm seriously overwhelmed with all the well-wishes, support and just general interest in our trip.

We still have a few big-ticket items left to take care of before we leave, including getting our immunizations and altitude sickness medicine as well as picking up a few last items from REI. Rich and I both started packing by laying all of our trip clothes and particulars out on the bed in the guest room. So far, I have about three times as much clothing and gear as he does, but I have a feeling his pile will grow immensely over the next few weeks and we'll end up having about the same amount of gear. Rich still thinks I'll out-pack him, though. If shoes are omitted, there's no way! What do you think? Who's going to win this packing war?

Figuring out Food for Whitney

So many items to choose from-- which ones are right?

We are heading to climb Mount Whitney this weekend and I'm struggling with one thing right now...food! I'm not sure what we should/shouldn't take in terms of what will be best for energy and yet still be convenient while hiking. Mount Whitney is 22 miles total and we'll be hiking the majority of the day, so it's suggested we eat a little something every hour. This will help not only with energy, but also as a deterrent for altitude sickness. Usually, I would plan to pack some simple snacks like a peanut butter sandwich and luna bars, but I'm obviously going to need something more substantial for this trek.

Being a former competitive athlete, I'm pretty particular about what I put in my body before working out. In college, I had a very strict regiment in terms of food before soccer games and knew exactly what my body responded well and poorly too. From researching the food for climbing topic online, I've read a lot about ensuring I have simple carbs, complex carbs and fats (proteins) in the forms of items like peanut butter sandwiches, clif bars and jerky. I've also read a shot block every hour helps even out sugar intake and counter the symptoms of altitude sickness without feeling like you're eating too much.

So based on all of that information, and the fact that we'll be on the trail for anywhere from 12-18 hours, here's what I'm planning to bring:

• Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (2)
• Dried mango
• Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
• 2 Luna Bars
• 2 packs of shot blox
• Apple
• Oatmeal cookies

What do you guys think? Any suggestions on other foods that are good to include?

Paul's Training Hike Update #2: Nirahna Ridge

Paul is doing great with his training and has made it out to Kananaskis the past two weekends for training hikes. Here's the latest update in his own words:

"Brian and I  climbed Nirahna Ridge which is in Kananaskis  Country near the head of the Elbow River west of Calgary.  I climbed about 680 metres ( max elev. 2280m asl) in a space of  2.5 km over a scree covered slope  with some short vertical climb sections. Fun but very tiring."

Sounds rough, but he doesn't look too tired in these incredible pictures!

I'm pretty sure this is a snapshot of heaven!

Looks like you're all outfitted for Africa, Dad! 

You're making me jealous with these views, Dad!

This picture of Kananaskis makes me miss home...and the mountains!

A lovely slate slope

I Couldn't Resist!

Sooo...Rich and I made a trip to REI yesterday to buy a few final things before Mt.Whitney next weekend. Anyway, in the clearance section was an itty bitty tiny version of my massive North Face basecamp bag. It's for toiletries, and it was such a cute mini version that I had to get it-- thankfully the $12 clearance price wasn't too much of a splurge. I guess the girly side of me will never take a backseat to the adventurous side. But seriously, how cute is my toiletries bag?!



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Location:San Diego, CA

The Visa's have arrived!

I was a little bit nervous mailing off our passports and checks for $100 each to the Tanzania Embassy a few weeks ago...but I am happy to report that our passports were returned to us today complete with travel visas. Phew! We're one step closer to leaving for Africa. All that stands in our way is: My MBA thesis, finishing my job, packing, moving, Rich learning to fly the 46 and our MS fundraiser. Just another relaxing summer in the Arbogast household :-)

We have Visas for Tanzania!

Paul's Training Update From Canada



Paul enjoying in the scenery in Burstall Pass, Canada

 This past weekend, Paul (Dad) headed out to the Canadian Rockies (oh how I miss them!) and took on Burstall Pass in Kananaskis. He went with his friend Brian Elder, who also served as cameraman for the expedition. Here's a little quote about the hike from Paul:

There were 4 feet of snow above 2100m -- the last 200m elevation gain was really hard work. I have never seen that much snow in Kananaskis this late in the  summer.

Well, it looks like Paul is right on track with his training and is possibly even enjoying the scenery. Looking good, Dad!

Trudging through the deep snow in mid-July!

Beautiful Kananaskis Country <3

Training Hike #3: El Capitain

Michelle and Rich at mile 3 of El Capitain

A few weekends ago Michelle, Rich and I headed to Lakeside, CA for another training hike. On the agenda was an 11-mile strenuous hike. El Capitain is know to be the hardest hike in the local San Diego area and I must admit, none of us took this claim too seriously beforehand. In fact, we took this claim so lightheartedly, Rich and I met up with friends for dinner in San Clemente the night before. While I called it a night early and went back to our friends house to get a good night's sleep, Rich went out with the boys and arrived home around 3 a.m....to then get up at 6 a.m. to head off to our hike. So, needless to say, neither of us was well-prepared.

Regardless, the three of us headed off around 8 a.m. and saw the temperature climb over the first two miles from 90 degrees to 105 degrees. By the time we reached the 3-mile marker, it was a sweltering 110 degrees and we still had 8 miles to go. While this hike ended up being miserable for Rich and I due to our lack of preparation and planning, I will say this-- we learned our lesson. We did not bring nearly enough water or the right gear and both started out dehydrated. Thankfully, Michelle is a major planner and saved our butts. She was perfectly prepared and we learned a lot from the "backup" supplies she carried. While I am a bit embarassed it took us almost getting heat stroke to realize we needed to take our training a bit more seriously, ultimately, I'm glad we had this wake up call now and not in two weeks when we try and head up Mount Whitney.

So, after all that, a big thank you needs to go out to Michelle for always being prepared. She's a rockstar in every regard and while the hike was miserable, the company was great! Thanks Michelle.

Michelle and I shouting to the rooftops at the summit of El Capitain!

About halfway down and we're still alive...it was a hot one!