Hi John, That would be fantastic if we could connect in Thurs! I'm leaving Fresno after work on wed and will drive over the hill to Lone Pine (okay, it's more than a hill but it's all part of the adventure smile After spending Wed. night at the hostel my plans can be flexible for getting my car up to Whitney Portal and then a ride to cottonwood TH. I'll need to stop by and pick up my permit on the way to the TH. If this works for you let me know and we can figure out more detailed plans. Thanks so much!