From the unused permit numbers, it looks like without exception, every year for the past 4 years it's guaranteed to get a walk in permit for both overnight or dayhike in October. That's encouraging, unless I'm reading something wrong on the chart.
We'd prefer to camp and it doesn't look like Tioga Pass has a campground, so we'll probably just stay at Porcupine Flat (>8000 feet) in Yosemite and drive to Lone Pine for a permit Thursday. Looks like Lone Pine Lake is a good camping spot for Thursday and Friday (or maybe move up to Outpost on Friday) for a Saturday summit day.
For the summit day, I'm planning to bring trekking poles, headlamp, Osprey Talon 44 pack with 3L water reservoir, gravity water filter, 1 bottle of Vitalyte/Water mix (and replacement package), First Aid Kit, Emergency Space Blankets, Food (Probars, Trader Joes items galore, etc.), Compass, Cell Phone, Camera, TP (and WAG bag), and extra socks.
Any other suggestions are welcome, and very much appreciated. I've pretty much read every post on this and the other board in addition to Doug's book, so hopefully we'll be prepared and it'll just be a matter of getting a bit lucky with weather cooperating. Thanks again for everything guys.
