Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Lone Hiker on Whitney Next Week

there is a greater than 50% chance I will be doing an overnight at Mt Whitney Next Week.

I have a permit for 2, but my friend might not be able to make it.

Some background.
- I recently Did a Rim to Rim hike of the grand Canyon. About 28 miles in 4 days during extreme heat.
- Last year I did Alta Peak from the Sequioa side. 11,200 (14 mile roudtrip and 4000ft gain) in one day.
- This is the first time I will be doing an overnighter.

I've read a few posts and a Book about Mt Whitney.
My two concerns are
- Altitude sickness. I hope this doesn't happen to me but if it does I understand i need to go back down.
- Bears. This kinda freaks me out since I have never encountered a bear in any of my hikes (mostly in the White Mountains of New Hamshire)

Any tips, suggestions