The Foundation activities during the summer of 2007 were limited to a failed attempt on Thunderbolt Peak, a climb of Mount Whitney’s Mountaineer’s Route, and a simple family trek to Lower Lamarck Lake.

The Thunderbolt excursion was aborted due to excessively dangerous conditions in the Southwest Chute No. 1. Back in 1988, I was able to climb this route with a client in a 12 hour day from the car at South Lake. On this 2007 occasion there was no attempt at a one day ascent. After hiking into Dusy Lake Basin and camping on the first day, the second day was spent getting to Chute No.1 and striving to climb some very loose and extremely dangerous talus—nothing like the experience in 1988. The character of the chute had changed dramatically. The safety and mental well-being of the client was of primary concern and we aborted the trip.

The Whitney climb went well even after some liaison problems and miscommunications with the client. The hike to the Bardini high camp went quickly. Ebersbacher Ledges proved no problem for the client on the first day. The summit was reached on the second day, July 7th. A leisurely hike out on the third ended at the Whitney Portal Store over a couple of cold ales.

The trek to Lower Lamarck Lake ended up being the really successful activity of the summer. The De La Garza family, Mark, his wife Amanda, and his son, Francisco (Cisco) were escorted to the lake and camped there overnight. Cisco, age 7, met a cute little 7 year old girl with access to an inflatable kayak. The trip was made!

But there’s more. Weeks after trip, the father, Mark DeLaGarza, e-mailed me to ask if I was interested in climbing in Yosemite Valley.In particular, was I interested in doing the Snake Dike on Half Dome. To shorten an extremely long story, we did it—in one day from the car back to the car. Actually, “back to the car” wasn’t the end of the day for me. I drove back to Bishop arriving at my doorstep at 3 AM. Long day, great climb, Longest recovery period—ever! I’m getting too old for this.

As treks, and climbs are scheduled through the spring, summer, and fall they will be posted here.

The Bardini Foundation sponsors guide services year-round

in partnership with the Inyo National Forest

Treks, climbs, and ski tours may be contracted throughout the year.

Call, write, or e-mail the Foundation at:

Bardini Foundation

PO Box 1422, Bishop, CA 93515-1422

(760) 873-8036 or (760) 872-4413

tim@bardini.org or don@bardini.org