[pct-l] Camping on Whitney

[Benjamin Grunbaum]

I have never minded using the bag systems  to remove human waste whether on
Shasta or whitney. It is a very frustrating task convincing others to
remove their Waste because if they don't it will either not get removed or
it will be removed by some low paid wilderness Ranger. it is frightening
how inconsiderate some of our fellow hikers are.  I was amazed at how many
bags I saw a lining the trail down Mount Whitney last year . Some people
who I had been hiking with for many days on the John Muir Trail were
disgusted when I mention that I had carried my waist from guitar Lake all
the way to Whitney portal. I was disgusted that they pawned of f their
responsibility to someone else. They need to hire more Rangers and charge
the people who do not bring a bag , do not use their wag bag or leave it on
the side of the trail at least $500, in my honest opinion. Thank you for
being one of the responsible people you think about the  experiences future
users of the trail will have.
On May 28, 2013 7:19 AM, "Stephen M Crane" <stephenmcrane at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Good luck on your climb.  It was one of the highlights of my hike last
> year!
>
> You should find plenty of flat, protected spots to bivy.  Unfortunately
> you'll also find is that the best windbreak spots are also the best toilets.
>
> Also, unless you've spent a considerable amount if time acclimatizing, you
> will likely get altitude sickness to some degree.  I had spent several
> weeks hiking and camping at 6000-10000 ft prior to Whitney and I still got
> sick after spending 3 hrs up there.  When I climbed Kilimanjaro a few years
> ago it was equally tough even after spending a few days acclimatizing.
>  That's a primary reason why climbers generally sleep at lower altitudes -
> 'climb high, sleep low'.
>
> Assuming you do it anyway (which you likely will) here are a few things to
> think about:
>
> • bring tons of water.  You will dehydrate rapidly at altitude and
> dehydration is a primary accelerator of altitude sickness.  You'll need
> more if you start to vomit from the nausea.
>
> • Bring a good ground cloth to protect you from the urinated ground in the
> windbreaks.  A tent or tarp will be very hard to setup.
>
> • Be responsible and practice leave no trace and bring a bag for your poop
> and toilet paper.  Poop doesn't degrade at altitude.  There is little
> bacteria or animals to speed the process.  I'm always disappointed reaching
> the summit at dawn and having a beautiful sunrise marred by the sight and
> stench of another inconsiderate climber.  It's not as hard or gross as you
> think.  Google for alternatives or if you want I'll tell you what I do in a
> follow up mail.
>
> No matter what you do, congratulations on deciding to attack this
> adventure and best of luck!  It's a beautiful mountain!!!
>
> That-Guy, PCT class of 2012