"nearly all exit permits are already gone for July 13 - Aug 22. Kearsarge Pass permits seem to be more readily available."
I read that and decided to get off my rear and book my trip.
I think I just took the last August 23rd exit date.
It was relatively simply to book the permit and I already have my confirmation (Enter Aug 15th Kearsarge/Exit Aug 23rd Whitney)
Looks like I should have enough time to take a nice relaxing pace.