Employee Spotlight
Steve Dittman – Outside Sales Associate – 25 years
Steve had the opportunity this summer to hike the John Muir trail and climb Mount Whitney.
We had a chance to talk with Steve about his trip.
Q: What inspired you to hike the John Muir trail and climb Mount Whitney?
A: I’ve been backpacking all my life and always wanted to hike the John Muir trail
and climb Mount Whitney. Permits are hard to get and you expect not to get them.
It’s always been a bucket list item for me and last year we were selected for a permit.
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!!
Q: How many miles did you hike / climb and what was the highest elevation?
A: 230 total miles and Mount Whitney was the highest elevation at 14,495 feet.
That is the highest mountain in the lower 48 States.
Q: How long did it take you to finish?
A: 19 days
Q: What was your most memorable moment?
A: Definitely summiting Mount Whitney. It was very personal for me as my wife’s
dad and I always talked about climbing Mount Whitney together. He passed last year and it was very personal for me to finish. I did it for him too!
Q: What was your favorite food during the trip?
A: We ate freeze dried food which was actually ok, but my favorite food or treat was Kind bars and or course Snickers Bars
Q: What’s next?
A: Tahoe Rim Trail. Not sure when, but hoping soon. It’s a 170 mile trip