Well, went up last weekend and made it to the summit! When I have a chance, I'll put up my photos and a short report.
I almost gave up after only 1/2 mile and 400 feet climbed. I felt horrible and had a headache. I only had one night at altitude and 4 days of Diamox to acclimatize, so it wasn't surprising that I'd feel some altitude problems. Just how fast it hit me was surprising. After more breakfast and some Advil, I enjoyed the sunrise from the trail and then felt better so decided to continue to the summit.
Did tweak my ankle on the way down, so it was a slow descent.
Road was in good condition (similar to last year). As for the pavement, it ends after Schulman Grove. But there is a short section of paved road around Patriarch Grove for some odd reason.
No smoke over the White Mountain area itself, but plenty down around Bishop and a little to the east over the Nevada side.
