Yep, you mentioned the overnight, alright which is why I added in the time and $$.
I actually have a base in Palo Alto, so I would not be coming right off the redeye. Leaving at a leisurely 6 AM, Lodgepole by 11 (10:31 according to google maps) an hour or so to pick up the permit, Marmot-proof the ignition wires, hop the shuttle to Crescent Meadow from wherever I have to park. Even if that last bit takes 3 hours, I'm still at Mehrten Creek before dark.
Its all a fantasy of course, since I do have to set up the shuttle this trip. I'll be doing that while the crew is at Crystal Cave and Muir Grove.
Been trying to figure ways to avoid the rental and/or ease the pain on the shuttle. I suppose if I knew somebody in, say Fresno, who might want to grab the three empty spots on my July 11 permit, which happens to include plenty of extra peak-bagging time, (July 23 Portal exit) and two days/two campsites, prep/sightseeing at Dorst Creek, who knows . . .
