Yeah it will be a crazy adventure. I hope I can make it. in 2009 I did 40 days then 71 days in 2010 now 95. Got to keep aiming higher!
I do know your not officially allowed to stay in the Muir Hut but it seems like everyone does it. I stayed in it both in 2009 and 2010 and it was a great experience. I didn't have any problems with critters keeping me up, the smell didn't seem too bad and in 2010 especially it made a great shelter from very high cold winds on that night.
I do expect to hit major snow on that section that includes Harrison Pass. I intend to go from Lonely Lake over Copper Mine Pass and then over the Whale Back to Colby Lake. In 2009 I descended from the Table Lands into Deadman Canyon on June 30th and this was the sight:
I will be passing along the Deadman Canyon head wall about a week later in the year this time but that is not by much and the massive snow pack should make things interesting. Might make for some fun glisading! Of course it would have to be done with trekking poles as I don't plan to bring an ice axe. Maybe I should consider that but then I would have to deal with sending it home.
Martha Lake to Simpson Meadow in one day would be a ballbuster
Really? I planned it mostly based on miles alone. I am not a super hiker and I like to hike around 10 miles a day so I can just enjoy myself and take my time along the way but after being on the trail for that long I will be a machine and will put in some major miles. If I need to throw in a day to extend my return trip that wont be a problem. Generally what I do near the end of this trip will be subject to my resources and physical condition. If I make it all the way as planned and I still have enough money I may just keep on hiking as I have no reason to go home other then the onset of violent weather.
Resupply points are going to be questionable also. I plan to do a mix of buy as you go and send packages ahead but resorts will begin to close. I am not sure how late the services in Cedar Grove stay open.
Why not spend some time in the Ionian basin or in the upper Goddard area?
I did consider going past Davis Lake, over Muir Pass and into Ionian Basin then down through the Enchanted Gorge but I decided the route was too difficult and the payoff would not be worth it in the Gorge. Wandering around those basins might be worth exploring though. If you have a route you think is good let me know.
A couple other places that if anyone knows they could help me with is what is a good place to cross the Whale Back?
On my Tehipite Valley loop I plan to go through the Volcanic Lakes and cross the low ridge East of East Kennedy Lake. I think the approach to this small saddle will be easy but it looks like some steep areas on the other side. Anyone know something about this area?