MHS: Congratulations!!! Thanks for the report. I can relate regarding the old knees. I used to run down parts of the trail! ...not anymore. And good for you on the Diamox use. Your ascent directly to Trail Camp without first spending a night at altitude is ambitious. I have to assume the Diamox had a positive benefit.
Regarding "hours behind us"... For everyone: It is NOT a safe practice to leave a slower hiker behind. In 99% of the cases, they make it just fine, but it is often the "left-behind" hiker that ends up in a Search and Rescue situation, especially when they are trying to descend in darkness. Please take care of everyone in your party.
