In the Group of 6. (All drinking neighors)
Only me and one other guy are novices and ex-Army.
The only advantage for being ex-Army is that we have carried 50 lbs rucksack and hike (oops) marched in a circle in the sand in unbroken in boots over 15 years ago... hehe.

4 People with experiences:
One guy (Leader) has been on this Hance trail twice.
2nd guy has just came back from a Mt. Whitney hike. (Athelic type Probably will be the first one out of the Canyon)
3rd guy was from Arizonia and has hiked in the past.
4th guy has backpack experience many moons ago... He was the one that told me to chuck the Nevados and get Vasque boots. (Brother in law of 2nd guy, Probably will be the last one out of the Canyon and the man to outrun if there is a bear)

I am the only one training with full gear hikes in the neighborhood.