Anyway, there was excessive snow on the road still and we were forced to park my truck nearly 5 miles from the trailhead. Making this a 24.4 mile round trip hike.
It was 6am, pretty cold and very windy. We started our hike wearing pants, thermals, hard shell jackets, baklavas, gloves, caps, etc and never once was able to warm up. Winds stayed constant 25-35mph through out the hike with some gusts reaching close to 50. By the time we reached the summit, winds were approx 35-45 mph with gust close to 70.
The hike itself was pretty routine. Not much scenery, just a long haul over a frozen wasteland and plenty of rock hard ice and snow. We did see three juvinile mountain goats at one point which was nice. And of course, it was fun, climbing straight up to the summit on hands and knees to keep from getting blown off the mountain.
Our water bladders froze shortly after summit leaving us to an 11 mile hike out with no liquids. Not fun. We made it back to the truck exactly 11 hrs 45 minutes after starting. Hungry, thirsty, cold and tired. Who could ask for anything more?
Daybreak



OK - Lets get this thing going

Eric having reservations about the wind and cold



Looking back towards the Sierra's

Obligatory sign picture

Eric at the facility (for the insane)

Team "Terror"
About 4 miles from the summit (in center back)

White Mountain (not a pretty mountain - thats for sure)

Now this looks like a fun winter ridge

Eric and I about 300 feet below summit

Looking down where we just came from

Summit is not far now

Getting closer

On the summit looking out over another nice ridge

Another summit view

Eric at Summit bldg and register

Summit Register was a mess

Summit shot
