You'll definitely want to pick up your permit during normal business hours. The Ranger Station where you pick up your permit is beautiful and new. It's a large building with lots of exhibits and good information about the area. If you need to buy a map, souvenir or shirt, they've got it all. It's a very nice place to stop with great views of Mt. Whitney, plus you can probably meet the girl from the WZ thread, "Look Who Has Her Hand in the Cookie Jar". Check out the thread and you'll see a picture of of the girl with her hand in the cookie jar at the ranger station working the Whitney Lottery. I'm not certain, but I think at the station there are picnic tables and really nice restrooms. Plus, I'm sure the people in the ranger station would love to meet hikers like you. What's the fun of working at a ranger station if you no one comes to visit. Have a great hike.
