[at-l] I'm back.

[George (Tin Man) Andrews]

Howdy ya'll.  I got back last week and have been busy digging out from 
the pile of catch-up work waiting for me.(not ketchup, FJ)

An awesome life-changing hike.  I lost 26 pounds and feel better than I 
have in decades.  Carolyn and I even joined the gym this week.

I completed the JMT on the 28th of August after 16 days.  I have never 
hiked by myself and therefore have always been tied to other's needs and 
pace and so had no idea what I could do.  After a rough start with the 
climbs and altitude fighting dehydration and a lack of appetite, about 
day 5 things kicked in gear and I was cruising!  the last 4 days were 17 
miles, 14 .8, 18.5 and 23.3  including 2 passes and the summit of Mt 
Whitney.  Day 15 I hiked 7 miles to reach Forester Pass at 13,200 and 
then felt good enough to hike another 11.5.  The last day I hiked 6.6 
miles before breakfast at Guitar Lake then summited Whitney after 
another 6.2 and then hiked 10.5 to Whitney Portal for a cheeseburger and 
cold beer.  Very very satisfying hike I must say.  I will have a full 
report and some photos to share as soon as the ketchup allows. 

Meantime, a couple of photos and story are here.
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/12698466p-13395986c.html
Tin Man