Extreme Weekend
Mt. Whitney and Independence Day Parade in Independence, CA
July 3 - 6, 2008

Mt Whitney will be the only extreme adventure of this trip, the rest of the weekend will be filled with lots of family and adult fun. What better place to celebrate out country's Independence Day than in Independence, CA? Small town fun for all!
Lodging should be under $100 a night.

Mt Whitney Adventure
Thurs-Friday July 2-3, 2009
Permits are by lottery.
I have submitted our application and should hear back by end of March

Mt Whitney

Itinerary

Thursday 1pm - Depart trail head for Outpost Camp to spend the night. You will need to arrive Lone Pine, CA before 12:00pm as we leave Lone Pine at 12:30pm for the trail head.
Permits are by lottery. Anyone not on the following list must apply for your own permit. J.Gomez, P.Gugg, C.Gugg, S.Martensen, L.Martensen, J.Smith, J.Smith friend John.

Those not hiking can explore various areas under adventure leader Michelle Gray.
Non-climbers have reserved rooms at the Best Western Frontier Motel for Thursday night only.

  • Room #1:  Michelle & Joey, Betty & Jessica & Tony (John, Paul & Cynthia are climbing)
  • Room #2:  Ania Taylor, Lukas and Royan (Bob is climbing)
  • Room #3:  Lourdes & Christian (Marcus is climbing)
  • Room #4:  available

Friday 8am - Depart Outpost Camp for a 1:30pm Summit arrival.
We should be back to the trail head before 7pm Friday night.

J.Gomez and Taylor families are spending Fri and Sat night at the Winnedumah Hotel. Others need to arrange their own lodging. Cotact Michelle if quesitons.

At 14,496 feet elevation, Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. While the hike is only 21 miles round trip, the climb is 6,138 feet. It typically takes 6-8 hours to get to the peak. It can be doe in one day but to do so requires hiking several hours in the morning darkness. To take advantage of the views of the entire trip, we plan to hike to Outpost Camp Thursday afternoon and leave the following morning so not to miss a single majestic view.

Landmark
Miles
 Time
Altitude
Trail head
0
0
8,366
Lone Pine Lake
2.5
1h 30m
9,514
Outpost Camp
3.7
2h
10,170
Mirror Lake
4.3
2h 30m
10,500
Trailside Meadow & Consultation Lake
5.3
3h 45m
11,810
Base Camp
6.2
4h 30m
12,140
96 switchbacks
5h 30m
Trail Crest
8.4
6h
13,600
Summit
10.56
7h 30m
14,496
4th of July Independence Day Adventure
Saturday July 4, 2009
(from the Independence Chamber web site)
  • Pancake Breakfast
  • 4K Run - The course winds through scenic Independence and heads out to pasture lands with seasonal creeks and stunning views of the snow covered Eastern Sierra and the Inyo Mountains. The participants circle the alfalfa fields and come back through town for a fast finish back to the starting point.
  • 4th Of July Parade - Just received confirmation, WE ARE IN the parade! Details will follow as soon as I get them. Plan to decorate your bikes, scooters, car, or selves for the parade.
    The parade is the essence of small town life, with young and old, dogs and horses, floats and fire engines with flag waving pride and patriotism. Trophies are awarded to best of class entries.
  • Olde Tyme Kids Games - Frog Jumping Contest and fun races will be held at Dehy Park in this Independence Chamber of Commerce sponsored event.
  • Deep Pit BBQ - Deep Pit Barbecued Beef with salad, beans and all the trimmings is served by the Independence Civic Club members in Dehy Park.
  • Fireworks Display - As the sun goes down and dusk arrives head for the Independence Airport and The Grand Finale Fireworks Display put on by the Independence Volunteer Fire Department

Bodie Ghost Town Adventure
We plan to make a slight detour on the way home to visit the infamous Bodie Ghost Town near Lee Vining & Bridgeport. Take a look at the Bode web site as it is really a cool thing to see. Lots of wild history.

  • Ghost Town tour
  • Off-Roading