Thanks for the quick and succinct replies. Acclimatization is not going to be a problem. I will be spending two nights around Horseshoe and taking in Cottonwood Pass in the process. Then 1 night at the Portal. I have been to about 12.5 many times with no issues. But I will be forcing myself to hike at a slower pace just to be careful on the ascent to the summit from Trail Camp.
Thanks also for the comments about the tent sites. I was concerned because my single wall GG tent is so very light and not the quietest fabric that both the staking issue and the wind issue are of concern to me. The earplugs is a great idea. I assume that by "Fly" you were referring to air traffic. I had read in several posts that air traffic is a problem (who would have thought!).
What I gather is that planning on 4-5 hours to summit is about average from trail camp. I would assume it is something less on the descent?
Steve C. Great idea about stashing bottles at trail crest. Thanks!
