Hey tollermom! I remember meeting you at Trail Crest several years ago!

Yes, you answered your own question. On May 1, keep checking throughout the day to see if a permit for your day shows up. When it does, get into your existing permit, and add a person quickly -- before someone else claims the available slots.

I wrote something similar in post 49614 above.   Here's the link for day hikes starting July 1. Good luck!!