Day 3 was our last day. Our final challenge was Kearsarge Pass (elevation 11,760 ft.). We left our campsite extra early at 5AM with the “best burgers in Lone Pine” at the Whitney Portal Store on our minds. We watched the sun rise as we set off, and from a safe distance, observed an avalanche (first photo). It started raining along the way, but cleared up before we started the climb up Kearsarge Pass. We celebrated at the top before we headed down to Onion Valley.
When we first went to pick up the permit in Lone Pine, the ranger seemed surprised that we were attempting Whitney Portal to Onion Valley in 3 days. After that, I didn’t know what to expect from this backpacking trip. All I knew was that we had good company and that I was up for the challenge. Three days in the Sierras, and I’m completely sold on this gorgeous part of California. The mountains look relentlessly steep from the valleys, and the elevation plays with your mind; but when you make it to the top, you feel infinite, as if you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
PHOTOS BY MELODY KUO
