Mt. Whitney From Cottonwood Lakes

From the west end of the Langley ridge I could look back the way I came and see the Siberian Outpost as well as the small lake along the PCT we passed the previous day. In the distance, the Great Western Divide.

Moving Right Along

Mt. Whitney Trip from Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. June 2000.

Eventually the ground became hard and more level and my pace turned into a brisk walk. The way back was as interesting as the way up with many side trips to the cliffs on my left to view the lakes and meadows below. I lost the use trail but navigating that area was a breeze. Speaking of breeze, the wind remained as brisk and cold as ever, and when I returned to my pack I put off removing my wind gear for as long as possible. Eventually Dave showed up and as soon as I caught sight of him, I departed for Old Army Pass, anxious to get out of the wind.