Lot of hikes and climbs in the Sierra during my 40's and 50"s. Including most of California's 14,000 foot peaks. I've done Mt Whitney multiple times on several different routes. Some on climbers with a rope and gear, others on various trails.
The last fourteeners I did were Mt. Williamson (14,379') and Mt. Tyndall (14,025') on a 2 day trip. The first day was up to a high camp at about 12,000 feet which included going up a steep snow field in a thunderstorm. Old snow fields that have melted and refrozen multiple times are on the icy side and are a little dicey even when it's not raining. The second day was up early and both peaks in the morning. Then we broke camp in a little light afternoon rain before headed back out to the trailhead, which included descending the same snow field.
Back then I was doing things most men would only dream of doing. Now I doing things most men wouldn't dream of doing. Go figure.
