Hi, I am a hiking enthusiast who is ready to tackle Whitney with a friend this summer. We registered for the permit lottery the first day it came up and were not awarded any permits; then we have looked at those remaining (starting the first day they were posted) and can't make those dates. I realize a permit is required for a day hike to the peak. However, how likely is it that if we show up at the ranger station the day before that they would issue us a permit? Furthermore, if we were to go ahead up the trail, how likely is it that we would be asked for our permit? What do they do with hikers who have not obtained a permit? Do we risk it?