This 6-day backpack trip was run by Call of the Wild, an organization offering outdoor adventures for women for the past 21 years. The founder/leader, Carole Latimer, has climbed Mt. Whitney 21 times now, and is an inspiring example of the strength and self-reliance women can have in wilderness adventures. Carole’s professional leadership and extensive knowledge of the area made for the most enjoyable possible experience for the group - she planned a well-paced itinerary (that maximized our acclimatization and strength before the summit climb) and took us to choice campsites (that avoided the crowds and gave us the best views). In addition, the top-notch gourmet food - much of it pre-made or freeze-dried by Carole in advance - set the highest standards I’ve ever seen for outdoor cooking, true to Carole’s reputation for delicious outdoor cuisine.