The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1903-11-04

The clubs outing this season was to
Kern River Canyon and Mount Whit
ney. Camp equipage and supplies suf-
ficient for FIVE weeks were transport
ed 100 miles across high mountain
passes into the heart Of the region OF
peaks, reaching attitudes of from TO-
600 to $4,000 feet. The country ira
versed was but little known. maps
were useless, so the mountaineers add
III O feat in exploration to thot OF
6ing one of the highest mountains
IN Tie United States.
After q two days stage drive, from
: yisalia to Mineral King. the party
walked twenty miles across the divide
to their camp in Kern Canyon, one Of
the glacial gorges whose beautiful
domes and walls still bear the scars Of
the flowing ice that formed it. Here
week was spent in tramping and
fishing thus getting the party in physi-
cal condition for the trip to the base
of Mount Whitney.
The eighth day was spent in prepar-
Ing for the eight-day trip to come.
Shoes were renailed with heavy hob
nails. and the strongest wearing ap-
parel was selected. Every unneces-
sary article was left behind, for only
fifteen pounds of baggage was allowed,
including sleeping bag or blankets.
Thus equipped, the party crossed the
Kern and ascended Volcano Creek to
its source, near the main divide be-
tween the Kern and Owens Valleys,
and followed this divide, at an alti-
tude Of between 5000 and 10,500 feet,
to the base Of Mount Whitney. During
the entire trip every one slept in the
open air, rolled up in blankets or
sleeping bags. No rain fell and there
was no dew, so one had only to find
q dry place in the sand, wriggle into
a comfortable position, and sleep.
On the morning Of the ascent the
party breakfasted at ht.lf-past three,
and were on the march little after
4. The five miles to the base Of the
mountain was quickly covered. with
frequent short rests to prevent over
exertion. dangerous at this altitude
The real climbing on Mount Whitney
begins at Langley's camp, at an alti'
tude of 11,635 feet. and continues until
the broad crest Of the mountain is
reached, at about 14.OO0 feet. For 800
feet great granite powders were en-
countered, and over these the party
made their way, switching back and
fl,o tot IN nrHnr tf
gain elevation until the base of
Chimney" or rock gorge, was reached
Here the way led upward over bowld
ers, between two sheer walls Of gran
ite blocks. For 500 feet we toiled ur
this gorge with hands, feet and elbows
in action, finally coming to the slope
that leads to the summit. which was
reached before 0 o'clock.
The most striking feature Of Noun
Whitney is the tremendous abyss OF
the eastern face. Approaching the mon
ument on the eastern rim Of the sum
init, one sees only the ragged rock:
around it's base. and. beyond. the farm!
and orchards. 10000 feet below. 1t il
like q world seen from balloon. ant
the height makes one dizzy. The mem
bers signed the club register, whicl
was left in the monument. and thel
explored as far as possible the bas
of the peaks. which, on every side ex
cept the east rose in chaotic masses
their SUBMITS all over $4,000 feet
scanned and SCARED by chasms an
gorges. Biologists have found her
splendid examples Of the action o
glaciers during the Ice Age-Collier'
Weekly.