Thanks Rod,

You are right, I resolved myself to the fact that getting my hiking buddies in on this trip would be anything but easy. Hell, it is hard to get 6 people to agree on dinner plans wink. This is one reason i am researching early, and gathering information well in advance. I have a feeling the more details i give the more likely some may back out, but i have until February it seems to get an idea of a solid number.

Everyone's information has been very helpful, I am open to any and all suggestions even if they are bleak hehe.