Psmurf - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2009

Down Whitney

Have lost a previous journal entry for this day. I am not effective with small lap top computers. Anyway...
during the night there were groups of hikers making their way to the top probably for a sunrise ascent. Since I was tenting only a couple of feet off the trail, their conversations were mine.
Got cold overnight. Water in my two bottles was frozen.
Passed by 50 to 75 hikers as I went down to east Whitney Portal store...they all coming up. Seemed many wanted to talk, chat, get directions or support so my progress was slow but social.
Called Lon upon arrival at the store using their special sattelite phone. An over order had occured so they had two extra breakfasts: the manager offered one to me for free. Nice. Enjoyed this trail meal for free and the easy conversation with the other hikers using the store.
The Whitney add on was not a technical hike. So glad I closed this unfinished piece of business. It was worth the extra effort and travel for me. Thanks, Lon, for being so helpful during this closure.
We now will return to Vegas and visit some friends before flying out for Green Bay on the 14th.
I am making this last entry from a friend's house. Again, I comment on much LV has grown in the 25 years since we left. Amazing. Our room in the Orleans is on the 19th floor with a beautiful view of the west side of Vegas. It might take me some time to make a transition back into non trail life. I find the noise, sounds, traffic, smells of the city rather disconcerting certainly different from trail life. But I figure people are people no matter where they are. The vast majority are wonderful if you only give them the chance.
Excuse me, I have to get something to eat.

Entry 172 of 172
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