Part 5: WTW-Friends Rendezvous
Before I headed down from the Whites, from my 2-night campsite at the White Mt. Peak trailhead, I reflected that not only is White Mt. Peak the highest point I've reached (14,246 feet -- third highest peak in California), but this trailhead campsite (11,700 feet) is the highest elevation I've ever camped. It's actually higher than any point in Oregon! (let alone any point you can drive to in Oregon).
I had the luxury of being alone in my hike up the peak the day before (Thursday), but during the night and next morning, two parties showed up and started the hike before sunrise Friday.
So, down I drove...down, down, down, dropping 7500 feet down to US 395 and Bishop, where I refueled the truck and re-supplied my larder. Then north to the Virginia Lakes Rd, west to Dunderberg Rd, then north to the pre-arranged meeting spot, "Ted's Spot".
Arriving around 2pm I was the first, and I wasn't sure if I was in the right spot, but Ted & Donna showed up just a few minutes behind me.
Ted built a campfire in the bottom of a dry tarn, and we enjoyed it as the other folks -- Lighthawks and ski3pins -- showed up in turn.
A couple hundred yards east of the campspot was a big view of the area, and I spent some time out there in the early morning(s), as did others.
Apparently, Ladies like purple and blue:
I shot a few panoramas, and I think this one came out best. Here's a thumbnail-segment, showing The ski3pins enjoying the sunrise, each in their own way:
And here's a link to the full 360° rotatable pano:
Pano-12
Saturday, while the others explored an old mine I hung around camp mostly, feeling satisfied with my trip and deciding to relax...and install a power meter on the line to my DC-compressor fridge.
We were treated to a special happy hour, provided by the proprietor, head chef, and maitre 'd of Chez Campeur, Mr. Ted:
(he's not quite as blurry in person).
We were very lucky to receive this special meal as it's almost impossible to get reservations ahead of all the hipster foodies!
Fine, small-plate dining with a stunning view!
Saturday night there were signs of the weather that would be moving in...
And crazy windy clouds the next morning, too...
It was a very nice trip for me.
Weather was good to excellent. It never got below freezing where I camped (but it reached 25° in Bridgeport the night I stayed indoors there). Sunny but not hot so hiking was very pleasant.
I reached/repeated a new personal high (without ever getting high
)
I stuck to my diet and lost more weight.
I got reacquainted with some WTW friends, giving me more evidence that Californians can be darn nice folks!
THE END.