Blanch Kosche, 70, crosses Rock Creek. Her pack weighed 38 pounds at the start of the trip. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
Blanch Kosche, right, pours hot water into Lynn Lively’s cup of instant mashed potatoes at Rock Creek camp. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
Jacquie Kaner, 65, left, Blanch Kosche, 70, and Lynn Lively, 65, celebrate on the summit. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
Blanch Kosche, left and Lynn Lively reward themselves with a meal celebrating their ascent of the peak. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
A view of Mt. Hitchcock and Hitchcock Lakes as seen from the summit of Mt. Whitney. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
The climbers pitched camp near water when it was possible. Above, Guitar Lake. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
Guitar Lake at sunset. (Jacquie Kaner / For The Times)
