Last year I saw a guy chasing a bear at the Portal. The bear ran for its life from the crazy old man. No joke. You should be more afraid of the altitude. You have plenty of time to get in great shape before September. I would never start at midnight unless my plans were to see the sun rise on the summit. Way too early IMO.
I saw something similar in the Portal campground, only it was a young couple trying real hard to get a picture WITH a bear that sent the poor thing running as fast as it could. It was a really odd sight, one that I would not care to see duplicated.
As far as starting at midnight, I have and would do it again. Not because of a worry of time to the summit, but purely because the MMWT is just so enjoyable at night. Seeing the random flickers of headlamps ahead and behind you, hearing things that you can't see, the moon light on the trail, it's all really great to experience.
It's beautiful in full daylight as well, but that's what the way down is for.
My date this year is June 25th for a day hike, but I'm planning on trying to grab an overnight permit the Sunday before and spending a couple of days enjoying myself on the trail.
Last edited by GandC; 04/02/1201:32 AM.
One day I'd like to hike the entire John Muir Trail and not leave a single footprint. -Randy Morgenson
