---next topic---- The Best Ideas

The best ideas never seem that great while they are happening.  They are always better when thought of, usually with a beer in hand; or when reminiscing with a beer in hand.  Anyone else see a pattern?

I don't know if you are aware, but Mt Whitney is the highest point in the contiguous United States (shout out for the big word).  160 people per day are allowed to hike to the top, but one needs to apply in February, when the mountain is still covered in snow.

So what happens when in mid-July the mountain is STILL covered in snow?  why, climb to the top of course.
sleepy mountain
good idea still? better think about it over coffee


lake @ 10,000' full of 6-12" trount
Thanks to some great advice from a co-worker who has some experience with altitude, we decided to camp @ Outpost Camp, located @ 10,000 ft instead of the higher, more popular campground.  It was a good choice, because narby there was a lake.  We spent the afternoon "acclimating" by reading books and catching fish next to the trail that people were huffing up and down with 50 lb packs.


And then there was one

Forth of July is over, the fishing trips are completed and bellies full.  Its time to get back to the motorcycle.  Its stored at some wonderful stranger's place.  After some public transit, more two-up riding and some roadside camping, we make it there.  We try to make the bike start.  It won't.

Carb clean.  it won't go.

Battery charge, fresh gas, new plug.  it won't go.

it starts to rain.  alot.  try to do a jerry-rigged compression test to no avail.

starting fluid.  it won't go.

charge the battery, go to the bar, get soaked.  in many ways.  come up with a plan...


more starting fluid.  it won't go.  that's the end of this bike's trip.

We head back to Anchorage, and load up Harper's bike for his long, solo trip home.  a True Road Warrior

ride on, scumbucket
And then there was one.