Lone Pine Peak attempt and Premier Buttress- Spring 2009

Ted and Chris came out to the Sierra for a trip up Lone Pine Peak.  We were planning to bivy on the ridge and do the peak over two days.  Ted and Chris camped up at the Whitney Portal and I met them at their campsite.  We did a very thorough pack check and got their pack into the 20 pound range.  We started up the ridge knowing that the weather forecast was calling for a 20% chance of thunderstorms.  Well, the weather did come in on us and we were only able to climb some of the ridge.  After another weather forecast check we found out that the newest forecast was upgraded.  We decided to head down and go with plan B.  The next day we climbed Premier Buttress early in the morning before the thunderstorms.  We had a great climb and after a huge burger at the Portal Store we went into the valley and did one more pitch in the Alabama Hills.  That was my first climb in the hills and it was great.  We had a fun trip and yet another reminder that Mother Nature is in control and having options is the best way to have a great trip.  Good luck on the Matterhorn Ted and Chris, and thanks for another great trip

-Neil

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