6/25/2022:

It was Helen's last week before her Mount Whitney overnight backpacking hike.  She wasn't very confident of succeeding her first Mount Whitney hike.  She had experienced AMS symptoms the last time we hiked up to San Gorgonio Peak together.  Again, she requested that if I can train her.  I wanted her to succeed and agreed to.  Again, Helen invited her high school friend Ha Tien along.  With the hike I done with Ha Tien, she was much interested in seeing me more.  We exchanged phone numbers and things got very serious.  I could tell you that this hike was the beginning of our shorted lived relationship.  I dated Ha Tien for three months and found we weren't compatible.

So, back to our hike to San Bernardino Peak.  This was my first time back here after the freaking baby reveal that devastated the entire San Bernardino Wilderness.  I was heartbroken to see the destruction caused by this man made fire.  All the manzanita shrubs and bushes were all wiped out.  The beautiful trees were all burnt.  However, there were pretty lilacs and white wildflowers scattered on the trails.  It was a very beautiful sight

We finally reached the peak.  There were quite a few hikers up there.  We ate our lunches and head down after taking our summit photos.  Helen did exceptional well on this hike.  She was more than ready for Mount Whitney now.