In which four people, who might otherwise be mistaken for "normal" set out to climb some of the highest peaks in California.

In mid August of 2002, Sandra Lee, Cynthia Spear, Santosh Poonen, and Bud Osterberg set out for the Eastern Sierra. We had it in mind that some or all of us might climb Gaylor Peak (11,004 ft., 3354 m.) and Mount Langley (14,026 ft. 4,275 m.).

Then we would split up into two groups (one with, one without 'Y' chromosomes). The 'Y' deficient group with the goal of climbing Mount Whitney (14,497 ft. 4,419 m.) - the highest point in the contiguous 48 continental United States! - the other with the goal of climbing Mount Sill (14,153 ft. 4,314 m.), doing some reconnaissance of the Palisade Glacier area, and possibly climbing Polemonium Peak (14,080 ft. 4,292 m.).

This whole thing started out two years ago when we thought it might be fun to climb Mount Whitney. Well, the first year we couldn't get the proper permits, so we climbed White Mountain Peak instead. That showed us that we could climb 14ers, but it wouldn't be all fun.

Last year we did manage to get permits; Santosh and Bud (along with Mike and Sam) did summit Mount Whitney. Unfortunately, a fall kept Sandy sidelined in Lone Pine. This year she came up with the no 'Y' chromosomes idea and enlisted good friend and skiing partner Cynthia as a climbing partner.

Now, sometime over the last several years Santosh (AKA Spoonen) and Bud got it into their heads that they should probably climb all the 14,000 ft. peaks in California (don't ask... it can't be explained). Since the girls were going to be in the Eastern Sierra, the guys offered to go join them for the acclimatizing trips, hikes and climbs.

This album was previously posted on another site, I have included the comments that were received there along with the photo descriptions.

Clicking the thumbnail images will bring up a larger image. There's descriptive text below just about every large photo - you may have to scroll down.