Lamarck Col to Mt Whitney

Excellent trip report.

–B.G.–

That is a great trip report.

Did you carry an empty bear canister from your cache location at Kearsarge through the end of the trip?

Yes. I jammed my sleeping bag in its stuff sack into the empty each morning. Since the cannisters sit sideways in my pack it was not a problem (aside from an extra 1.5lbs) to carry the empty.

Lamarck is one heck of a cool col to go over! Love that area!!! Nice report!

Outstanding trip report and nicely written.

I went over Lamarck Col from North Lake about week after you. Our experience finding the col was very similar. We turned north on the JMT and went through Evolution Valley then up the Piute Trail and back over the Piute Pass to North Lake. Beautiful country!

Another alternative to Lamarck Col is Echo Col. It intersects the JMT a couple of miles south of Muir Pass. I think it is Class 3.

–B.G.–

Great report! Enjoyed your reflections immensely. Was curious about your hiking schedule for the evening. What time did you take your break/dinner, and how long did you rest before walking again, and then how long did you walk before camping? Did you snack before bed as well? Thanks

Since I was a bit faster I usually stopped around 4pm and Art arrived around 5. We'd be back on the trail, usually between 6 and 6:30 and walk for anywhere between one to two and a half hours. We always wanted some light when we set up camp.

Once in camp, we always had the option to snack. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

The best thing about the late afternoon stop is that you can stop where it is convenient to clean up…usually near a lake or a creek, and where you have plenty of water for cooking, and provides a 2nd long rest break (lunch break was usually 30-60min, the dinner break usually 60-90min). Hiking a short distance (2-5 miles) afterward gives you many more options for camping.