After applying for a permit to climb Mt. Whitney for the past ten years through a lottery system, Groove Health’s Senior Mobile Developer David Bauer finally won in early 2021. In July, he crossed climbing the tallest mountain in the continental U.S. off his bucket list, and he did so alongside his wife Liz and two close friends. David and his crew completed this incredible 16.5-mile hike in just one day. They contemplated splitting it up into two, but ultimately decided to push through. And it’s a good thing they did because a storm hit the next day! The weather while hiking the path’s 6,500-foot elevation gain was picture perfect with blue skies and minimal clouds. David’s highlights were signing the register and performing a handstand on the summit-an act he is notorious for doing on every mountain he climbs. He found the biggest challenges of the hike to be the altitude and hiking downhill. All in all, the adventure looks and sounds like it was worth the 10-year wait. David, we admire your perseverance, bravery, and balance skills!
David’s been climbing mountains in Oregon and Washington with his brother and friends for 20 years. He reminds us to live life in the moment and to be able to pivot if things do not go as planned (and to always have a plan). We can’t wait to hear how David tries to top this adventure with his next stipend.
