Hello. Going to make our first attempt on Labor Day weekend. Have 2-night permits. Four questions:

1. Planning to stay at Trail Camp. Do regular tent stakes work and is there sand/ground to stake into? Or do you tie off on rocks or something?

2. Down jacket or fleece jacket? Want to go light. Sure loved having the (packable) down jacket in late August in Yosemite this past year. But could imagine layering instead (i.e, long sleeve polypro, plus vest, plus fleece jacket, plus rain/wind layer) and not bringing the down jacket.

3. At 12,000 feet in early September, are we okay with a cannister stove? Or should we really go to the white gas route....?

4. Having camping reservations at the portal campground the night before. Assume we have to move car to trailhead parking in the morning. Is there enough parking? What time do you have to get to trailhead parking to ensure you get a reasonable space.

Thanks!