We left the portals at 5:20. I told everyone that we had to leave at 5:00 but some did not take that seriously. The campground host said we were the LAST group to leave for the day summit attempt.
This time we are LEAVING the portals at 3:30 which will put us at the summit at 11:30. If the weather looks like it might get bad in the afternoon then we'll start earlier.
As far as water goes, it depends on the heat but my recommendataions to the group were (and still are) as follows:
Bring two liters water in you camelbak and one liter (or 24 oz Gatorade). Bing a filter device and refile before you summit - be sure to bring 2 liters up to the top with you. You can refill on the way down as necessary,; there are lots of places to get water (be sure to filter/purify).
I was talking to Doug at the WP store about the moutaineer route. I want to try that next year if I can find a guide to join.
Hope that helps.
Matt
