Will keep you posted, SN. Am going with a friend (the same Al as in the trip report) - we're older but sturdy!
As for best time to climb - I once asked that of a snow ranger as we spent a quiet evening gabbing at Helen Lake. He said historically the best conditions occur around Memorial Day, but the busiest weekend is July 4th. And of course, that's historically speaking. Every year is different, and Mt Shasta is one of those anomalies where they get more snow - rather than less - as a result of climate change.
