Tdtz, we are almost contemporaries then (you are paving the way). Yes, I am working up to doing the whole JMT also, when I can get the 3 plus weeks off that I would want to have to do the trip. I probably won't do it solo myself, though. (I did just get a McMurdo personal locator beacon, since I do enjoy shorter trips solo.) I will look forward to reading your trip report(s)!
I did OV to Kearsarge two years ago, as an acclimatization hike the day before starting a 3 day/2 night Whitney hike. Loved it. The OV/Kearsarge/Whitney trip has been in my mind ever since.
If the weather/snow levels don't work out for early July, then I will probably do basically the same route in early September. On way or the other, I think this is the year for the mini version (JMT south) for me.
Thanks, Laura, for the info re the creeks. I think I'll Google up some pictures.
