This is all very helpful - I really appreciate the info! The main X-Factor in all of this will be what kind of snow falls between now and Saturday AM. Both of us are in reasonably good shape, but we'll be prepared for some extra effort, and will try to be very careful with post-holing, etc.
One last question - any thoughts re: purifying water along the trail? The last time I was at Trail Camp (2003) it was a mess and I would hesitate to drink water from up here without purifying - but not sure if things are different now ...
