I am in touch with two other parties planning the HST in a few weeks. One leaving Crescent Meadow the same week as me (7/11) and one the week following. The crux of the trip now appears to be the lower half of the switchbacks on the west approach (JMT) to Trail Crest. Any observations or reports on this section now through July 10 will be very much appreciated. This stretch is 1000 to 2000 ft higher than Kaweah Gap, the second highest pass on the trail, and at last report, is very difficult, even though the switchbacks higher up are clear.
Thanks for any info from three grateful July HST parties
