2025-01-25, 04:41 PM
(2025-01-25, 03:18 PM)VintageDUG Wrote: I used to be an extreme day hiker. Mt Whitney the standard route was usually pretty early in the season since it was so easy. Cactus to Clouds to Cactus, Rim to Rim to Rim and so many other stupid hikes
That's some pretty serious stuff. I hear you though about "used to" being a tough day hiker. Cactus to Clouds is way beyond my ability these days, but I think back to the Mahogany Flats to Panamint City traverse I did years ago (NOT in a day, though) every time I see the Panamints.
This summer I did a 15 mile hike with 4K feet of gain, 12 miles on excellent trail (Rainier) and the rest across open meadow, easy walking. That's pretty much my limit. But, I can wake up pretty early and have another big day the next day, which says something. Most of my days are much less than that, and going off trail is a big multiplier of time