Have couple of questions:
1. Does bear bells help repel bears? Is it worth to carry one just in case?
The only place you're likely to see bears is at the Portal. I don't think they are worth it.
2. We will be hiking the first 6 miles in dark, any suggestions for the rest places where we can sit and rest?
There are big rocks and boulders all along the way that make for good seats.
In the dark, just try to be careful to stick to the trail and not step off any steep edges. There are a few of those around Mirror Lake and trailside meadows.
