All the Planning Information I am happy to report that I received the Mt. Whitney hiking permit for 15 people. It is for our first choice of dates - Saturday October 6, 2001.

The schedule for this years trip is

Thu Oct 4 - Drive to Death Valley, begin riding in the evening
Fri Oct 5 - Ride all day, arrive at Whitney Portal campground
Sat Oct 6 - Hike all day, return to Whitney Portal campground
Sun Oct 7 - Drive home

I am also happy to report that I made a reservation for a campsite at the Whitney Portal *Group* campground for October 5 and 6. It is a large site with space for 15 people. The campsite costs $80 total for both nights. If you do *not* want to be included in this campsite, let me know. If you are planning to go earlier or stay longer, you should make your own arrangements for other nights. Reservations can be made online at http://www.ReserveUSA.com/nrrs/ca/whtp/

(Note, only half of the 44 six-person sites are reservable. The others are first come, first serve and the campground doesn't get too full during the week. However, some of the best sites are reservable and they tend to get taken. Our reservation is for one of the larger group sites - Site 2, if you want to try to get it for other nights.)

Because the waiting list is so long, you should let me know as soon as possible if you aren't going to be able to hike. If you haven't already done so, please pay me. Hiking permits are $15 and camping is $5. You can pay me in person, or send a check to

Bruce M. Binder
1129 Agate St.,
Pacific Beach, CA, 92109.

If I haven't received your money by April 30, 2001, I'll assume you are no longer interested and you are subject to be moved to the bottom of the waiting list.

I guess that's all for now.