We started our journey in silence, ascending the first switchbacks with our headlamps illuminating the path.
The atmosphere was filled with the fragrant scent of sugar pine and sagebrush as we left Whitney Portal at 3 AM.
While Mt.
Whitney may not be the tallest peak in the continental United States, its grandeur remains unchallenged.
On its southern flank, a series of majestic needles pay homage to the king of the Sierra Nevada range.
Our goal was to conquer this trail from sea level to 14,500 feet within 24 hours, a challenging feat in itself.
The only sounds echoing in the darkness were the crunching of our boots on gravel and the gentle murmurs of streams nourished by an El Nino winter.
Suddenly, a lone mountain lion pierced the silence with its haunting wail, stirring our imaginations.
In the dim light, I envisioned its graceful figure blending into the surrounding flora of yarrow and cow parsnip.
Having grown up in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where mountain lions were said to roam freely, I had always hoped to encounter one.
However, despite their alleged prevalence, I never had the chance to see these elusive creatures.
The hike from Whitney Portal to the summit presented us with a grueling challenge, climbing approximately 6,000 feet in net elevation gain.
It may not have involved technical skills, but it demanded everything from us for a day hike.
Accompanied by my four coworkers, one of whom secured the coveted permits through the lottery, we embarked on this adventure after driving from San Francisco to Lone Pine the previous day.Leaving behind the electromagnetic buzz of the city, where we were constantly connected and consumed by technology, we found ourselves in a state of solitude.
No cell service, no work obligations, just the goal of reaching the summit and leaving no trace behind.
Of course, there were a few hints of civilization in the form of outdoor gear, including some non-technical Patagonia clothing, and rumors of rare Pokemon lingering in intermittent pockets of cell service.
Nevertheless, we were able to tap into our wildest instincts, far removed from the constraints of our daily lives.As the sun descended, its vibrant hues mirrored in cobalt waters, we entered a realm of ancient beauty.
The granite fortresses and igneous cathedrals were bathed in the warm embrace of orange rays, illuminating the glacial sluices and alpine courtyards with crimson hues.Our journey led us through marshy meadows, where I half expected to witness a bull moose grazing among the water lilies.
Horsetails covered the fields, their fresh green segments standing as a testament to their ancient origins..
