thanks for the info. I guess even if the campground closes (I've been there many times, and back in 2001, it was closed on October 12), I'll just have to camp in Mammoth as a plan B. Not a huge deal. I'll be flexible until I park my truck in Lone Pine. Since I have no fixed start date for the hike, I will figure out the permit stuff on location.
By the way, I emailed Yosemite NP from their contact page regarding October east side permits, but it's been a few days and no reply.
