Mount Whitney, California

>"I think the reservation system mis-managed the whole thing this way in order to generate more non-cancellable reservation fees. "

So do it twice in 2014.

Bob, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean the world isn't out to get you.

Despite that, never attribute to malfeasance what can be explained by simple incompetence.

At least June and/or July are less likely to be cancelled due a government shutdown than my October Half Dome permit was.

As always, David, you are probably right.

Initially it seemed downright crooked to me. Now I am beginning to think how they just did not plan it right or live up to their promises. People always test their software based on their own complete understanding of how it is supposed to work. However, they need to test their reservation software as if they don't know anything, such as like the typical consumer.

What's worse is that I got the June date booked, but it worried me due to the possible early season snowpack on the trail. A little is OK, and a lot is risky. So, as the first backup to that, I booked myself a six-day backpacking wilderness permit for about ten miles away. I would backpack in and go up Whitney by the west side.

So, now I am sitting on a June dayhike date with campground before and after it, plus a June backpacking date, and then finally a July dayhike date with campground before and after it. Geez, I will be busy, just driving back and forth.

–B.G.–

Glad you got some permits, Bob. It's a bit of a circus getting either a Whitney or Happy Isles permit these days. My preferred alternative is to avoid those areas altogether. You can day hike Mount Russell with no permit required and wave over at everybody on Whitney from your empty summit when you make it to the top. Assuming you don't fall off the Class 3 ridge, that is. :)

Oh, I've seen the Russell Class 3 Ridge many times. No thanks. It would be my luck to be up there when the wind starts blowing hard.

The worst year on Whitney was one time when there was excess snow. The entire 97 Switchbacks section was completely snowed over. So, what do we do? We continued over to the base of the snowy chute that goes directly up to Trail Crest and ascended there. The chute is a bit of a bowling alley, and rocks are tumbling down there all the time. Then, of course, later in the day we had to descend the same chute. We survived, bruised up a bit perhaps.

I manage to avoid the crowds two ways. First, I get a date for mid-week. Then, I start very early in the morning while it is cool and dark. Too many hikers wait until dawn, and then they are dealing with heat problems very soon. Oh, well. It's more fun to be descending the trail when everybody else is still ascending. I've gotten to see firsthand what that look of misery is like on every hiker's face.

–B.G.–

>"I start very early in the morning while it is cool and dark. Too many hikers wait until dawn, and then they are dealing with heat problems very soon."

Equally true heading out of Whitney Portal, Happy Isles or the South Rim.

Whether you're wise (and train beforehand) or not, at least be smart and get a really early start that day.

And, for us sea-level creatures, spend as many nights prior at intermediate to high elevations as your schedule allows.

I'll take your June one.

"I'll take your June one."

Unfortunately, the person who picks up the permit must have identification with my name on it. In other words, they are not transferable.

–B.G.–

>"they are not transferable."

Well, they are very limited in their transferability.

Like that craigslist ad:

"Used tombstone in very good condition. Ideal for someone named Josiah Durdend."